Karen Lugo, who is involved in the halal meat controversy, has written an article for American Thinker on the issue. There are two issues at play here. First, in light of our laws regarding humane treatment of animals, should ritualistic halal slaughter be permitted? This is in conformance with Islamic law and requires the slitting of the animal's throat without stunning to render it unconscious and allowing it to die by bleeding out. Second, if allowances are being made for this, should halal products be clearly labeled so that those who object to this method can avoid buying these products?
http://www.americanthinker.com/2012/04/most_easter_lamb_this_year_was_halal.html
As one who eats meat, I always (until recently) had thought that humane practices were required by law. I also understand that Jewish kosher slaughter is similarly conducted. I have asked a couple of Jewish friends about it, and have been told that the kosher method requires cutting in such a way as to cause immediate death. So I would request my Jewish and Muslim readers to weigh in here. If we cannot prevent the humane killing of animals for consumption, at least we should be able to avoid purchasing such products. What do you think?
In Kosher it must be a quick death. If the animal dies slowly, the meat is not fit for consumption under the laws of Kosher.
ReplyDeleteBTW, the meat in many supermarkets is Halal, unlabelled. That is one reason why I buy Kosher only. Religious and sanitary reasons are the other.
For more information about Kosher you can find it here.
In actual practice, there is very little difference between Halal and Kosher slaughter. Please see the following article:
ReplyDeletehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_Islamic_and_Jewish_dietary_laws#Slaughter
Figures a site on Islam would try to explain Kosher.
ReplyDeleteFrom Chabad (When in doubt ask a Hassid.)
The butcher plays a crucial role in the kashrut process. He must be thoroughly knowledgeable in the many laws relating to kosher meat, and be a person of unquestioned integrity and personal Torah observance. Because adherence to every detail of halachah (Jewish law) may sometimes mean loss of money for the seller, the butcher's own commitment to Torah law must be of the highest order. A reliable butcher always allows a mashgiach (kashrut supervisor) to inspect his plant to see that all laws are properly observed and that the highest standard of kashrut is maintained.
Only meat cuts from the front half of the animal are commonly sold as kosher, because of the difficulty involved in removing the non-kosher veins of fat from the hindquarters. However, some of these kosher meat cuts are often labeled with the standard names for non-kosher meat cuts, such as "London Broil" or "spare ribs." These cuts are somewhat similar to the non-kosher ones, and are labeled in this way for the convenience of consumers. Before buying these cuts of meat, make sure the cut comes only from the front part of the animal and has been prepared by a reliable butcher under competent kosher supervision.
Muslims do not inspect the animal in question, allow sick animals to be eaten, eat from every part of the animal, etc... Plus Muslims can eat any bird, Jews cannot eat prey birds. Muslims can eat shell fish. Jews cannot.
Anonymous you shouldn't use an article on Islam to describe the differences between Halah and Kosher.
Apparently you are not familiar with Wikipedia, which is not a Muslim site. The main topic of discussion here is the slaughtering practices. Yes, there are some differences between what Jews and Muslims are permitted to eat under their respective dietary laws, but we are talking about the slaughter practices, which are essentially the same.
ReplyDeleteAlso, Kosher meat is considered Halal by Muslims, so the Kosher meat you are buying is essentially Halal anyways, even if it isn't certified or labeled as such.
"How Much Halal Meat Are We Eating?"
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure but I'm 110% sure its way, way less than Kosher we are eating.
Here is a video of a "Kosher" Slaughterhouse right here in the USA.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OzaeHfh65hs
In contradiction to Findalis's description the slaughter looks very gruesome, dirty, and painful for the cow.
Jewish law does not allow an animal to be stunned prior to killing.
In my opinion all Jewish Kosher killings must be banned completely. Muslim Halal slaughter may only be allowed if the animal is first electrically stunned.
The video is troubling. Either we have laws for the humane slaughter of animals for consumption or we don't. If we are going to kill animals for consumption, the death has to be instantaneous.
ReplyDelete"But Halal slaughter does not permit stunning either."
ReplyDeleteMr. Fouse we have been over this before.
Some muslim "holy folks" permit non-penetrative electric stunning. This was the common method in America before the current captive bolt system.
This is why Halal slaughter is allowed in places like Sweden and New Zealand, while the relatively more painful and barbaric Kosher slaughter is banned.
I'm a milk drinking vegan personally.
Ah yes the PETA tape. The company that was taken at went out of business 5 years ago.
ReplyDeleteAs for Anonymous, you are wrong about Kosher and Halal. I personally do not want Halal anything. I don't want it served in the schools and don't want it forced down our throats.
I keep getting different accounts all the time. All I can say is let's put the animals to death humanely. I also think they should be allowed to live a relatively full life (Referring to veal and suckling pig.)
ReplyDelete"I personally do not want Halal anything."
ReplyDeleteNeither do I Findalis.
But I also don't want Kosher anything.
Unfortunately almost everything we eat here in Southern California is certified Kosher; from milk to crackers, and everything in between.
Kosher foods are a much bigger problem than Halal food.
This must end.
Certified Kosher means that it is made with a sense of cleanliness. It is too bad Anonymous wants dirty, bug-ridden food. But if you see these symbols don't buy it. For the food is certified kosher then. I suggest you look for the dirtiest, unsafe food you can find.
ReplyDeleteYou may die of food poisoning or worse, but you won't be bothered by Jewish food.
As for Anonymous, you are wrong about Kosher and Halal. I personally do not want Halal anything. I don't want it served in the schools and don't want it forced down our throats.
ReplyDeleteIn what way am I wrong, exactly? What did I say or present that was false, specifically? Can you present an opposing argument with some evidence and facts to back it up?
I already pointed out to you that anything you consume that is Kosher is already Halal by default, so you're getting it whether you like it not.