Recent media coverage has revealed that large amounts of ritually slaughtered meat is being sold or served in the UK without any indication to the consumer.

For example, according to recent reporting:

• Restaurant chains including Pizza Express, Zizzi, Ask, Harvester, Nandos, Beefeater, Gourmet Burger King and the Slug and Lettuce all use some halal meat, mostly without making it clear on menus.

• Supermarket chains Waitrose, M&S, Tesco and Morrisons sell unmarked Halal slaughtered food. Sainsbury’s sells halal meat but labels it as such. ASDA sells Halal meat and labels certain ranges. 

(See: www.telegraph.co.uk/foodanddrink/10816716/Find-out-which-supermarkets-and-restaurants-sell-halal-meat.html)

During halal compliant slaughter, an Islamic prayer (known as tasmiya or shahada) must be said over the animal. The animal must also be killed without being stunned first.

So far, David Cameron has ruled out taking action himself to ensure that proper labelling is introduced, saying that it is a matter for retailers and consumers. (See www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-27329870)

However, we believe that he could take more action to ensure that ritually slaughtered meat is properly labelled so that consumers can make a choice. 

Photo: BBC News / BBC Credit / bbc.co.uk - © [2013]  - http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-24934768