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
