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Statement from the Department of Halal Certification Europe (DHCE) 
in response to IFI statement issued on 29 September 2025.

The Department of Halal Certification Europe (DHCE), established in 2011 and accredited in 2018, operates under the Islamic Centre of Ireland (Al-Mustafa Masjid). We are accredited by the Emirates International Accreditation Centre (EIAC) and recognised by the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS). Our team includes seven Muslim scholars, UK-qualified veterinarians, technical auditors, and food technologists, with over 50 years of combined experience in halal compliance and food standards.

It has come to our attention that IFI has raised concerns regarding the halal status of meat from certain Irish abattoirs. DHCE would like to provide clarity and assurance to the community regarding these plants:

• These abattoirs conduct only halal slaughtering.
• All slaughtermen are Muslim, registered, and trained with both the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine as well as with DHCE.
• A Halal Checker, appointed by DHCE and employed by the abattoir, is present at all times to supervise halal slaughter.
• DHCE supervisors periodically visit these facilities to ensure compliance, including for export markets such as the UAE, where official halal batch certificates are required.

For over 10 years, meat from these abattoirs has been supplied to Muslim-owned halal butchers in Ireland without dispute. The halal status of this meat remains consistent, whether it is sold through butcheries or supermarkets.

Our mission is to provide authentic, internationally recognised halal certification that supports both Muslim consumers and the food industry, while ensuring affordability and accessibility. We encourage all stakeholders to rely on verified information and evidence when discussing halal compliance, in accordance with the guidance of the Holy Qur’an: “O you who have believed, do not prohibit the good things which Allah has made lawful to you and do not transgress. Indeed, Allah does not like transgressors.” (Surah Al-Ma’idah 5:87)

DHCE remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of halal assurance and transparency for the benefit of the Muslim community.

Department of Halal Certification Europe (DHCE)
1 October 2025

The Department of Halal Certification Europe wishes to address recent propaganda and misleading information being circulated about Halal slaughter practices in Ireland.

Halal certification has been an important part of Ireland’s food industry since the early 1980s, playing a key role in supporting Irish trade with international markets, particularly in Muslim-majority countries. Today, the global Halal market is worth trillions of euros, and Ireland’s high-quality Halal-certified products contribute significantly to both the country’s economy and its global reputation for food excellence.

It is important to clarify that all animals certified as Halal by DHCE in Ireland are stunned prior to slaughter. This is in line with internationally recognised Halal standards, such as MS1500, GSO 993, and is also fully compliant with EU legislation. Animal welfare is strictly upheld throughout the process, and Ireland maintains some of the highest animal welfare standards in the world.

The only practical difference between Halal and non-Halal slaughter in Ireland is that in Halal production, the slaughter man is a Muslim. As part of the religious requirement, the slaughter man utters the words “In the Name of God” before slaughter. This invocation seeks permission from God for ending the life of the animal for the just cause of lawful food consumption. For Muslims, life is sacred, and it cannot be taken except with this due respect and purpose.

Furthermore, all Halal-certified facilities under DHCE are subject to strict auditing, monitoring, and transparency measures. Independent inspections are carried out regularly to ensure that both EU regulations, Halal standards and food safety standards are continuously maintained. This oversight guarantees that consumers, both in Ireland and abroad, can have full confidence in the integrity of Irish Halal products.

We urge the public not to be misled by misinformation. Halal production in Ireland is conducted responsibly, ethically, and with respect for both religious values and animal welfare. It continues to benefit Irish farmers, processors, exporters, and the wider national economy, while meeting the dietary requirements of millions of consumers around the world.

Department of Halal Certification Europe (DHCE)