Malaysia to Require Food Sellers to Remove “Dog” from Hot Dogs

The Malaysian Islamic Development Department (MIDD) has reportedly
ruled that hot dogs cannot be granted halal certification unless they are
renamed to remove “dog” from the name. “In Islam, dogs are considered
unclean and the name cannot be related to halal certification,” MIDD
Director Sirajudden Suhaimee told the BBC.

Pretzel franchise Auntie Anne’s was reportedly refused halal certification
until it renames its “Pretzel Dog,” which Suhaimee said would more
appropriately be called a “Pretzel Sausage.” Apparently determined
following confusion from tourists, the ruling has been widely criticized,
including by Malaysian Tourism and Culture Minister Nazri Aziz. “Even
in Malay it’s called hot dog—it’s been around for so many years. I’m a
Muslim and I’m not offended,” he told reporters. See BBC, October 19,
2016.

Issue 620