'Talibuns'? Hot Cross Buns With Islamic ‘Halal’ Symbol Spark Debate

CNSNews ^ | 4/6/12 | Patrick Goodenough

[Nachum]

(CNSNews.com) – Should Christians be upset if the packaging of their “hot cross buns” traditionally eaten at Easter carries the Islamic halal food certification symbol?

This question has triggered an animated debate in South Africa in the run-up to Easter, both online and in the media. Protests by some Christians prompted the retailer to agree to offer two packaging options.

One will carry the halal symbol and be labeled “spiced buns” while the other will omit the symbol and be labeled “hot cross buns,” according to a statement from the Woolworths supermarket chain.

The statement, sent to South African media organizations, said some Christian customers had complained.

“We apologize and assure our customers that no offence was intended,” it said. “Going forward our next Easter offer will have both non-Halaal certified hot cross buns and Halaal certified spiced buns.” (South African Muslims spell the word – which is Arabic for “permitted” or “lawful” – “halaal.”)

[Nachum]

Talibuns. Right.

[cripplecreek]

I’m learning to write “Mohammad” in the snow when I pee.

[MarineDad]

In the interest of celebrating and embracing “diversity,” I very much like the idea of marketing a special halal version of the holiday treat.

Just so long as they contain the prescribed amount of spices, of course - you know, cyanide, strychnine, arsenic, etc.

[null and void]

I’m surprised no one has been beheaded for sullying halal by putting it on a product decorated with a cross.

Well, there’s always next year...

[freedumb2003]

Tell the truth and label them with the appropriate symbol for islam:

Lethal for humans, here and in the afterlife.

[Jack Hydrazine]

Just turn this patch



into a sticker that can be placed on the package!
Change the wording on the sticker to say, "Pork-Eating Crusader Approved!" and put a hot cross bun in his hand to replace the pork.

[Jack Hydrazine]

Just turn this patch



into a sticker that can be placed on the package!
Change the wording on the sticker to say, "Pork-Eating Crusader Approved!" and put a hot cross bun in his hand to replace the pork.

[ScottinVA]

Doesn’t matter to me, since I don’t believe in their false god anyway. So long as they don’t throw in special muslim additives, it’s not a problem.

[muawiyah]

You can abbreviate it as “Mahmet’ ~ takes less time!

[albionin]

Dang. I saw the title and thought it was going to be about an Afghani swimsuit competition. Some of those Persian and middle eastern women are down right gorgeous, when they’re not covered up in their bee-keeper outfits.