Recipes Health and Nutrition Information Safe Food Handling Farmer Profiles On-Farm Food Safety and Animal Care CFC's On-Farm Food Safety Program Code of Practice Animal Care Fact Sheet What Chickens Eat Pullorum Disease Antibiotics: Your Questions Answered Poultry Industry Opinion-Editorial on Animal Care June 2005 Halal Chicken -- Questions and Answers The Story of Chicken Online Publications The Industry Trade Issues Market Information Media Gallery For Kids & Teachers Useful Links Avian Influenza About Us

[ppm:alt id=7250]

[ppm:alt id=7448]

btnChickenGreeting.jpg

btnFunFarm.jpg

btnDearChickenFarmer.jpg

btnGenevaWatch.jpg

Halal Chicken -- Questions and Answers

What is Canada’s Muslim Heritage?

Canada has a Muslim population of over one million people. About one-third trace their origins to the Indian sub-continent, one third from Arab and Middle Eastern countries, and the remaining third hail from more than 30 other nations around the globe.

Canada’s Muslim population has grown significantly over the last 20-year period, doubling between 1991 and 2001, reflecting changes in immigration patterns. For instance, 20% of the Muslim population now lives in the western provinces, from Manitoba to British Columbia

What are the basic rules in Muslim food?

With respect to food, Islamic laws are very specific and Muslims seek to eat foods defined as “Halal”, which is defined by Muslims as “that which is allowed”. Essentially, “Halal” means permitted by God, or “Allah”, the Law-Giver.

What about Muslim law and meat?

In order to obtain a “Halal” designation, the conditions of Islamic animal breeding and processing must be met. 

In order to be considered “Halal”, animals bred for meat must not have consumed any meat or meat by-products. Muslims are also taught that the animals must be well-rested and handled in a way that minimizes suffering.

Pork is strictly forbidden under Muslim law (it is considered “Haram” or ‘absolutely prohibited’). Examples of permissible animals are cows, sheep and goats. Avian meat, like poultry or duck, must similarly not have fed on avian meat or related by-products.

The Islamic Society of North America has very specific standards in the area of slaughter, including:

  1. Allah's (God's) name must be pronounced during slaughter.
  2. Instrument must be very sharp to ensure humane slaughter.
  3. These steps must be accomplished by a Muslim.

Can I get Halal meat in Canada?

Yes. Many stores offer Halal choices in stores -- although some regions may have limited availability. Check with your local store for more information.

Where can I get more information?

More information on Halal meat and Halal standards can be sought by contacting the Islamic Society of North America at http://www.isnacanada.com/ .

Chicken Farmers of Canada: 350 Sparks Street, Suite 1007, Ottawa, Ontario K1R 7S8 Tel: (613) 241-2800 Fax: (613) 241-5999 Email: cfc@chicken.ca