In the minute-long advert, 14 families are featured celebrating Christmas. In one scene, a family that appeared to feature three Muslim women and a young child embracing each other in a tinsel-decorated house with a wreath hanging on the front door. They are seen to exchange bags at a front door. This is the first time that Muslims have been represented by Tesco in a marketing campaign.
Some took to social media to express their displeasure. According to the Daily Mirror, a twitter user wrote: "I wonder will they have a white family celebrating a Muslim holiday.... political correctness is ruining the country. Tesco have lost my £."
Another wrote: "How dare you feature a Muslim family in your CHRISTMAS advert!!! They do not celebrate CHRISTIAN festival! #willnotshopintesco."
However, Zohra Khaku, CEO of Halal Gems also tweeted, "What's the point of having a Muslim family in the ad if not including them by catering for them?" in response to the reply that Tesco would not provide halal turkeys for purchase.
According to The Sun, a spokesman for Tesco responded by declaring: "Everyone is welcome at Tesco this Christmas and we're proud to celebrate the many ways our customers come together over the festive season".
The ad - released as part of the retailer's 'Everyone's Welcome' campaign - shows different families celebrating the festivities over a traditional Turkey dinner.