McDonald's halal meat case extended 4 weeks

DETROIT (AP) -- A Michigan judge has approved a delay in closing a $700,000 settlement between McDonald's and Muslims who were mistakenly told that food at a restaurant conformed to Islamic dietary rules. Wayne County Circuit Judge Kathleen Macdonald on Monday granted a 28-day extension of a notice period in the case and lifted an injunction against a lawyer not originally connected with the case from making public statements. A final settlement hearing is scheduled April 17. The Jaafar and Mahdi Law Group filed the suit and agreed to the judge's actions. The lawsuit says a Dearborn McDonald's falsely advertised its food was halal. Islam requires invoking God's name before an animal's slaughter. Dearborn lawyer Majed Moughni criticizes the settlement, but the judge earlier ordered him not to communicate with potential plaintiffs. Published: Wed, Mar 13, 2013