Non-halal
meat has been served in pies given to Islamic prisoners in an English
prison. The supplier has been suspended
after traces of pork DNA were found in the pies and pasties that had been
served under the pretence they contained halal meat. Islamic law states Muslims
cannot eat pork and all other meat has to be halal.
The local
authority are investigating the issue and the Ministry of Justice have said the
products have been withdrawn. The Food Standard Agency had been told the meat
served was halal and the products were labelled as halal but traces of pork DNA
were still found. The issue was reported to the FSA immediately and steps were
taken to suspend the subcontractor from supplying any food to the prison.
There has
been an investigation to ensure these products haven’t been distributed to
other places across the UK and authorities are looking into how the
contamination happened. Consumers have a right to know what they are eating and
where it is come from. Suppliers have the responsibility to ensure the product is
described correctly. Following all the latest issues related to food
manufacture and produce there have been meetings with retailers and suppliers
to ensure everyone knows the responsibilities they have.
Meat that
has not been slaughtered in the correct way, under Islamic Law is strictly
prohibited. The person doing the killing should bless the animal and it should
be done by hand. Any form of pork is prohibited and it will be distressing for
any Muslim and their families who have eaten pork due to false labelling. Halalmeat has to be labelled with the correct sign to ensure any meat consumed has
followed the correct procedure.
