Le Filet-o-Fish de McDonald’s contient-il vraiment du porc ? Le McFish, Halal ou Haram ?

First, when you ask a question about McDonald’s consumer service, it is useless to ask them if such a product or a process is halal. The answer has always been clear: at McDonald’s, « None of our food is halal certified. » Nothing surprising. There is no halal mark anywhere on the signs.

The real question is: « Does this or that product contain this or that food? » Depending on the foods and their possible chemical transformations, we can thus know if the product is halal or haram. A product can be halal without being halal certified. Generally, we often use  halal to designate meat, but not for fish, which is unanimously halal or bread. In Islamic jurisprudence, everything is permitted (halal) until proven unlawful (haram).

Are Filet-o-Fish sandwiches cooked in 100% vegetable oil, or is it the same oil used to cook other meats such as pork, chicken, and beef?

The response from McDonald’ is clear: « Our Filet-o-Fish is cooked separately from meats in 100% vegetable oil. However, due to the design of the oil filtration system, it is unlikely that the oil used to cook this fillet may come into contact with the oil used to cook meat products during the oil filtration process, so we cannot guarantee that there will be no cross-contamination, but we have taken steps to minimize any cross-contamination as much as possible. »

McDo does not guarantee the impossibility of oil contamination , even if it remains unlikely. To find out more, you would have to ask the team members how the separation of the oils takes place. This question of contamination is the most important, and we will return to it shortly because it affects many everyday products, not just McDonalds.

Does McDonald’s bread contain pork (and is, therefore, haram)?

As confirmed by East Balt France , the burger bread supplier used to make the Mc Fish, the bread is made in a workshop that uses pork, sesame, and milk. Does this mean that the bread contains pork? No. We cannot rely on assumptions or make shortcuts. Only a DNA analysis can confirm or not the statements of the supplier.

If we look at the list of ingredients, here is, according to East Balt, the composition of the bread: wheat flour, water, sugar, rapeseed oil, yeast, salt, emulsifier E472e, soy flour, antioxidant: ascorbic acid (E300) . There is nothing  illegal, no pork in the ingredients or the mention « may contain traces of pork. » E472e is part of the family of emulsifiers. It can be of vegetable or animal origin. McDonalds claims they are 100% plant-based.

As for McDonald’s fries, are they halal? The answer is clear: « Our fries are certified vegetarian. » McDonald’s fries have no animal fat , unlike Belgian fries, which are distinguished by this characteristic.

Is it halal to eat a Filet-o-Fish at McDonald’s?

Everyone is free to make informed choices. That said, someone who goes to eat at McDo thinking it is haram and eats anyway is not allowed because he intended to willfully commit a sin, even if the apparent act is allowed. This is valid for all lawful things.

Anyway, those who don’t eat at McDonald’s should not point fingers at those who go there, calling them bad Muslims or telling them that they are eating pork, committing a sin, etc. The reverse is also true; do not consider those who are not convinced of the evidence provided by the fast food giant as frustrated, extremist, or silly people.

Finally, beyond the aspect of halal itself, the body is a blessing that must be taken care of . Eating regularly at McDonald’s or in low-cost, fast food does not go in this direction, even if the restaurant chains have made some progress in recent years, particularly regarding traceability and information.

McDonald’s Fries and Haram Concerns:

McDonald’s French fries have been a topic of discussion regarding whether they are halal or haram. The primary concern is beef flavoring, which was used in the past, but the company transitioned to vegetable-based oil and stopped using beef flavoring in many locations. Therefore, McDonald’s fries are generally considered halal, but individuals should verify with their local McDonald’s or relevant authorities for confirmation.

Halal Status of Other McDonald’s Items:

As a global chain, McDonald’s offers various menu items, and the halal status may vary by location. The company acknowledges the importance of catering to diverse dietary preferences, and in certain regions, a portion of McDonald’s outlets offers halal-certified items. As with the Filet-O-Fish, it is recommended to inquire with local outlets or check official resources for accurate and up-to-date information.

Burger King’s Fish Sandwich and Halal Certification:

Burger King, another major fast-food chain, offers a fish sandwich similar to McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish. However, like McDonald’s, the halal status of this item can vary. Some Burger King outlets provide halal-certified options, including fish sandwiches, to cater to Muslim consumers. Interested individuals should verify the availability of halal items at their local Burger King restaurants.

Halal Status of Tartar Sauce:

Tartar sauce, a common condiment served with fish sandwiches, generally does not contain pork products. However, the ingredients can vary depending on the brand and supplier. It’s recommended to review the ingredient list or inquire with the restaurant staff about the tartar sauce’s ingredients and preparation methods to ensure it aligns with halal guidelines.

McDonald’s Halal Offerings in the USA:

In the United States, McDonald’s does not offer a wide range of halal-certified items. However, some outlets might provide halal options in specific regions with larger Muslim populations. Due to the limited availability, individuals seeking halal choices should research and locate these specialized outlets.

McDonald’s Fish Fillet Meal Price:

The price of a McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish meal can vary based on factors such as location, size of the meal, and any ongoing promotions. On average, the cost of a Filet-O-Fish meal (including the sandwich, fries, and a drink) typically aligns with other combo meals on the menu.

Conclusion:

Navigating the halal status of fast-food items like McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish requires careful consideration of regional practices and supplier partnerships. While McDonald’s and other chains aim to accommodate diverse dietary needs, the availability of halal-certified items can vary widely. To make informed choices, individuals should communicate directly with restaurant staff or consult official resources to ensure their preferences are respected while enjoying their favorite fast-food offerings.