If You Want to Throw a Birthday Party at McDonald's, Your Birthday Cake Must Come with a Halal Certification

McDonald's Malaysia has come forward to confirm the authenticity of this rule. In an official statement, the move is described as necessary and "critical to preserve the integrity of our halal certification" and to prevent chances of food getting mixed up. The requirement applies to both Muslims and non-Muslims who dine at the restaurant.

Although the fast food joint practises a strict no-outside-food policy, exceptions are made for birthday parties that are celebrated at McDonald's. However, its management draws the line at the halal status of the cake to guarantee "peace of mind" for its customers.

JAKIM halal hub division director, Dr Sirajuddin Suhaimee, elaborated, "The food that enters halal-certified premises must also be halal. [...] In the matter of birthday celebrations at McDonald's, for example, the customer must first get in touch with the management, whose responsibility is to make sure (the guidelines are understood and followed)."

So remember, if you're planning an upcoming birthday party at McDonald's, make sure you have the halal cert ready, because your non-halal cake is not going to be allowed to pass through the Golden Arches.