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)
