LPT 312: Abattoir Practices and Animal Products Technology (1+1)

2. Halal or Muslim Method of Slaughter

HALAL OR MUSLIM METHOD OF SLAUGHTER

• Halal slaughter is carried out as per the tenets laid down in the Quran.
• Many of the practices adopted in the slaughter of animals and consumption of meat are the same for both Jews and Muslims.
• The actual act of slaughter is virtually the same for Jewish and Muslim methods.
• The Quran describes the procedure of severing both the carotid arteries and jugular veins to drain blood.
• The welfare of the animal is the major consideration in Halal slaughter too and the eating of dead animals, consumption of blood and of swine is forbidden.
• The act of cutting the skin with a sharp knife is regarded as painless or almost so, and the rapid loss of blood is said to produce instantaneous insensibility.
• It is believed that the brain and the skin of animals are less sensitive than that of man.
• Islamic law demands that the animal is alive at the time of slaughter and that it is slaughtered in the most humane manner.
• Animals must not be slaughtered in the sight of other beasts and those to be killed are to be fed and watered beforehand.
• Unlike Schechita the Muslim method of slaughter is not controlled by a central board but is overseen by the local Islamic authority (Muftis) who decide whether or not particular acts and thoughts conform to the tenets of Islamic law (Shariah).
• Muslim ritual permits stunning of animal prior to bleeding provided the stunning instruments had never been used on pigs.