The Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha yesterday released an apology it received from the Mr. Fried Chicken, following controversy over the company using paper bags with the Hindu Om symbol to sell chicken to customers.
Over the last week, the company was flagged on social media after pictures emerged of fried chicken being sold in Rose Hall Town, Corentyne, in the paper bag adorned with the Om symbol and the Trishul.
In their letter, they stated, “Our company formally explained and sincerely apologized to the people and religious community for using paper bags with the “Om” logo.”
According to the letter, the management and staff of Mr. Fried Chicken, Rose Hall Town, owned by a Chinese national, “apologize to the people and religious community for using bags with religious symbols to serve our food. We are sorry for doing this, our intention was not to hurt, offend or make anyone upset”. They said that they have since discontinued using the bags.
They explained that they have bags and containers coming from China which are not here yet, as such “we try to use these bags temporarily until we get ours that is coming, not knowing or realizing that this will offend some people. Again we are sorry. We already discontinue the use of these bags”, it said.
“The entire staff of Mr. Fried Chicken Company sincerely apologizes for offending and hurting members of the Hindu community through the unknowing use of paper bags with “Om” printed on them. The company realized 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. want to sincerely apologize to everyone”, the company said.
Additionally, they said that they respect and safeguard Guyana’s national culture and religious sentiments as they asked for forgiveness.
Following the letter, the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha said that they appreciated the response and apology.
