Halal Criteria Versus Conventional Slaughter Technology

SIMPLE SUMMARY: While legislation can be implemented, amended or revoked according to the requirements of a given time period, this is very difficult or even impossible with religious laws due to their sanctity. Faithful Muslims believe in the sanctity of the main Islamic laws (Quran and Hadiths) because, according to them, they originated from heavenly and divine sources (God and his prophet Muhammad). The technological means of the meat industry are constantly evolving to meet the requirements of the present day and may sometimes be inconsistent with ancient religious norms. Recently, greater attention has been paid to the halal meat industry due to the increased size of the Muslim community in Europe; the opportunity of producing and exporting meat and meat products to the Islamic world; and the ease of delivery, trade and transport. The purpose of this study is to highlight some of the controversial aspects of modern technological means and the principles of the halal meat industry. The controversial aspects that this study deals with include the practices of modern slaughter (animal fasting prior to slaughter, the animal’s body position during slaughter, the location of the incision during bleeding, stunning and mechanical slaughtering). This review may contribute to raising awareness among producers and consumers and to finding means of technology compatible with halal criteria. ABSTRACT: The halal meat industry is today a reality in many regions of the world, including the European Union. The main religious laws in the area of halal meat production were legislated in ancient times and may be unchangeable due to their sanctity perceived by faithful Muslims, while the modern technology used in the meat industry is constantly evolving and being updated. The objective of this study is to highlight the points of controversy between the principles of halal and the technological means currently used in the meat industry. Modern slaughter practices, including animal fasting prior to slaughter, animal body position, the location of the incision during slaughter, stunning and mechanical slaughter, are reviewed. The purpose of preslaughter feed availability according to halal criteria could be to ensure greater welfare for animals, though feed withdrawal is necessary today. Although there is no clear unified opinion among the Islamic sects, reversible stunning of animals is generally accepted. A neck cut at a higher position than the conventional low cut in cattle may reduce the compromise in welfare (the onset of unconsciousness), minimise false aneurysm and be compatible with halal criteria. This study may contribute towards consideration being given to technology that is not in conflict with the religious legislation, while at the same time meeting the requirements of the modern meat industry.