Non-Halal Meat Served to Islamic Prisoners

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The local authority are investigating the issue and the Ministry of Justice have said the products have been withdrawn.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.

Trust has been lost between suppliers and consumers after DNA tests have revealed so much. There has been a rise in vegetarians and more people buying from certified butchers instead of supermarket chains following both the horsemeat and prison scandals.