UK bill proposes labeling of Halal and Kosher meat

A bill to introduce compulsory labeling of halal and kosher meat and products has passed its first reading in the UK Commons.

- By MATHILDA HELLER

MP Esther McVey, who brought the bill on Tuesday, said it is about animal welfare, transparency in meat production, and consumer choice, and does not seek to ban halal or kosher meat.

Currently, consumers do not have that information, and many may purchase and consume halal and kosher meat without their knowledge and agreement, the bill claimed.

Both halal and kosher slaughter require the animal to have its throat slit. In the case of halal meat, the animal is often stunned before it is killed, however, shechita killing for kosher meat does not involve stunning.

McVey argued that the lack of stunning causes the animal to experience severe pain, and an individual concerned about animal welfare would want to know if the animal has been stunned prior to slaughter.

Under existing laws, animals must be stunned before they are killed, but exemptions exist for killing without stunning in accordance with specific religious rites. In addition, there are currently no requirements for such meat to be labeled.