If you’re wondering whether McDonald’s coffee is halal, the answer is no. McDonald’s and all fast-food restaurants in the USA – KFC, Burger King and Chick-fil-A included – do not qualify as halal restaurants because their meat products do not adhere to kosher law, thus disqualifying them as halal eateries. Even French Fries sold by McDonald’s contain beef flavoring which disqualifies them as being considered kosher.

While some restaurants in Muslim-majority countries provide halal food and have obtained certification, most American chains remain non-halal certified and present multiple potential risks. This AHF Insight will focus on three areas of concern for American chains: 1) general non-halal status of supply chain, 2) discussion regarding meat acceptance from Christians and Jews of the Book, and 3) cross-contamination between objectively forbidden items and otherwise permissible foods. It will also discuss ways consumers can encourage these companies to source halal ingredients and acquire certification.