Squawking from the Nando's coop

The office of the Minister of Health has clarified its stance on the health benefits - or lack thereof - of Nando's chicken, after much squawking from the Nando's coup. The Minister caused feathers to fly in the fast food industry this week with its pronouncements on fast food.

Sibani Mngadi, spokesperson for the Minister of Health, says the Ministry is discouraging South Africans from eating unhealthy fast food which normally contains too much, including fried chicken and chips: "As far as we understand, Nando's chicken products are not fried and therefore do not fall within the category of unhealthy food stuff. However, deep fried chips sold by Nando's outlets will be classified as unhealthy fast food."

Nando's South Africa managing director, Kevin Utian, says: "We are delighted with the Minister's reaction. Her response (to our communication) clearly indicates that Nando's chicken, because it is flame-grilled and not fried, does not fall within the category of unhealthy foodstuff.

"Like the minister, we promote good nutrition and we share her concern about unhealthy fast food. That is why we analyse every item on our menu and provide this nutritional information to our customers through our website to allow them to make informed eating choices."