Halal & kosher‘ban’
PLEA TO LABEL NO-STUN MEAT
HALAL and Kosher foods could soon be labelled in
supermarkets.
Some slaughterhouses do not stun animals before their slaughter for religious reasons.
But animal rights groups believe the practice causes unnecessary suffering. The Government has been considering labelling halal and kosher food to let shoppers know exactly what they are buying. More than 120million animals per year have their throats cut while they can still feel pain.
David Rutley MP, Under Secretary of State for Food and Animal Welfare, said: “The Government believes consumers should have the necessary information available to them to make an informed choice about their food.”
Jewish and Muslim practices have an exemption under EU law from the usual method of stunning animals.
But RSPCA chief executive Chris Sherwood said: “We’re opposed to non-stun slaughter and we’re calling for an end to the practice.
“Our concern does not relate to the expression of religious belief but the welfare of animals.
“Clear labelling should be adopted to enable consumers to make an informed choice.”
Simon Doherty, the British Veterinary Association president, said: “We believe that all animals should be stunned before slaughter in order to reduce their suffering.”