Consultation launched into Halal sheep meat production
AN INDUSTRY consultation into standards and product labelling for Halal slaughtered sheep meat has been launched.
EBLEX proposes to introduce assurance standards for Halal slaughtered sheep meat (both stun and non-stun) and, to ensure these standards are fit for purpose, it has developed a draft proposal, which will be the basis for the consultation.
The proposal was presented to halal operators at EBLEX’s first Halal Forum, held in Warwickshire on October 24, 2013, which marked the launch of the consultation process. EBLEX will review all responses before formally launching its Halal Standard Marks.
The draft document states: "Products approved and accredited to use EBLEX’s Halal Standard Mark would be processed through a fully assured supply chain. However, it is proposed the farm assurance element would not be mandatory at the initial launch, but added at a later date. Where sheep are farm assured and stunned, the products can be secondarily labelled as Red Tractor in addition to Halal Assured."
Two Halal Standard Marks are proposed; one for "pre-stunned animals using stipulated and approved stun-recoverable methods which have been objectively tested and transparent to the market place; and one for "non-stunned animals using the best practice of slaughter without stunning".
The wording "stun/non stun" will not be used in the primary branding of either mark but detailed in sub-branding enabling consumers to get the additional information they require on the actual process, the consultation proposes.
During the Halal Forum a poll of suppliers was carried out to gauge opinions on the use of a such an assurance scheme. The responses indicated up to 95 per cent of the sector's suppliers would use it.
“While the polling we did at the event will not form part of the consultation, it gave a very clear message that the Halal sector wants an assurance scheme, is keen to get behind one that is workable and wants to help consumers make informed choices,” said Nick Allen, EBLEX sector director, who chaired the event in Warwickshire.
“Not only will it help demonstrate high standards in processing for Halal sheep meat, but it is also about giving consumers choice about what they are buying and a level of transparency that it has been suggested is currently missing," he added.
EBLEX chairman John Cross emphasised the importance of getting the message right and involving the industry.
He said: “This cannot happen without input from the sector, where we know there is a diverse range of views. England has a diverse population and as an organisation we need to respect and support that where we can.
“I would urge everyone with a vested interest to get involved in the consultation on the proposed Halal assurance scheme.”
The consultation runs until January 14, 2013 and can be found at www.eblextrade.co.uk/halal
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
