Halal and Kosher Certification: Working With Religious Communities on Welfare

Halal and kosher certification bodies vary widely in their welfare standards, and some have adopted stunning requirements that improve animal welfare while meeting religious requirements.

Key Facts

The majority of halal-certified meat globally now uses pre-slaughter stunning that renders animals unconscious
The Halal Food Authority and many other certifying bodies accept reversible electrical stunning
Orthodox kosher certification bodies are more resistant to stunning but discussions continue
Some Islamic scholars and institutions including Al-Azhar have issued rulings permitting pre-slaughter stunning
The HFA and similar bodies certify around 80 percent of UK halal products with some stunning standard
Consumer pressure and retailer requirements have driven stunning adoption among halal certifiers seeking mainstream market access

Welfare Considerations

Religious certification of animal products does not have to conflict with welfare. The majority of halal certification bodies globally now accept forms of stunning that render animals unconscious before slaughter. Progress on kosher certification is slower but engagement continues. Advocates should support dialogues between welfare scientists and religious authorities, and recognise the significant progress already made within halal certification.

What You Can Do

Recognise that most halal meat in mainstream UK supermarkets now involves pre-slaughter stunning
Engage constructively with religious community discussions about stunning rather than dismissing religious practices
Support halal and kosher certifiers that have adopted welfare-compatible standards
Advocate for mandatory pre-slaughter stunning with religious exemptions only where reversible stunning is demonstrated acceptable
Follow organisations like Compassion in World Farming that work respectfully with religious communities on welfare