New ‘halal’ option on food delivery app puts China’s social media users in a stew
Promise to keep specially prepared dishes in separate boxes sparks accusations of pro-Muslim discrimination
A food delivery company found itself in the cross hairs of China’s online community last week after promoting its new approach to handling halal food.
The controversy began when a new “halal” button appeared on Meituan’s food delivery app, promising that all such dishes would be kept in “separate boxes” to ensure customer “confidence”.
Internet users were quick to label the move as an act of positive discrimination towards Muslims, who account for the majority of halal food consumers.
One person wrote on Weibo, China’s Twitter-like service: “Muslims need a separate box even for a delivery, you can see how they treat us, the non-Muslims ... Meituan you are helping them to hinder us. I will never use your service.”