Hot dogs to be renamed in Malaysia because there’s no dog meat in them
Malaysia has come down hard on hot dogs and ordered they be remade because they don’t actually contain any dog meat.
US fast food chain Auntie Anne’s has fallen foul of Islamic authorities in the country for its Pretzel Dog.
The Malaysian Islamic Development Department (MIDD) wants the word ‘dog’ removed as it could be “confusing” to Muslim customers.
MIDD’s halal director Sirajuddin Suhaimee explained: “In Islam, dogs are considered unclean and the name cannot be related to halal certification.”
He added: “It is more appropriate to use the name pretzel sausage.”
Banned: Auntie Anne’s has to rename their Pretzel Dog (Auntie Anne’s)
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An Auntie Anne’s representative said they were complying with the name change and described it as a “minor issue”.
However, others have lashed out at the “stupid” ruling.
Malaysian Tourism and Culture Minister Nazri Aziz said: “Hot dog is hot dog lah. 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.
"It comes from the English language. Please do not make us seem stupid and backward.”
Top pic: Getty
