Mr Fried Chicken apologises for using ‘Hindu’ bags to sell meat

The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) on Tuesday informed that local establishment Mr Fried Chicken has issued an apology for the use of ‘Hindu’ bags to sell meat.
Based on the investigation, the ERC said it found that the unfortunate decision to use such bags was due to the lack of awareness of the non-Guyanese business owner, based on the differing cultural and religious practices between Guyana and the business owner’s country of origin.
“It was found that the infringement that was committed on persons of the Hindu religion was not intentional, according to the business. Further, the business entity Mr Fried Chicken has assured the ERC in writing, that the use of the bags with the Hindu symbol has been discontinued and will not reoccur in the future,” the Commission informed in a statement.
The business owner also offered a written apology for their actions, and in light of this, the ERC closed the case on this matter.
In the apology, the establishment penned, “The entire staff of Mr Fried Chicken Company sincerely apologises for offending and hurting members of the Hindu community through the unknowing use of paper bags with “Om” printed on them. The company realised its mistake that day, immediately stopped using it, and informed all company members that paper bags with religious patterns were prohibited for any meat and non-vegetarian purposes.”
Initially, there were reports of a restaurant serving meat in bags that bears the Hindu symbol or ‘Om’, which is contrary to the religion’s practices. This sparked outrage on social media.
The issue went viral on social media last week after a customer shared her disdain at the bags in question used to serve fried chicken from the Rose Hall, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) business. Later, an employee of the establishment posted a video, justifying the actions on the part of the establishment. These actions were condemned by the Hindu community.
Meanwhile, the Commission has urged the general public to make efforts to be cognisant of the cultural and religious practices within the Guyanese society, so as to maintain peaceful and respectful relations among all Guyanese.
“The ERC will continue its work to generate public awareness content to educate and inform the public of the plurality of practices and beliefs that are sacred to our fellow brothers and sisters in Guyana. Let us all do our part to ‘Promote harmony and good relations’ in our society.”