The ethics of Halal meat consumption: preferences of consumers in England according to the method of slaughter

Halal cultivated meat: an untapped opportunity

The global Halal food market is forecast to reach US$1.67 trillion by 2025, growing to meet the dietary demands of a rapidly increasing Muslim population, set to comprise 30% of the global population by mid-century. Meat consumption levels are increasing in many Muslim countries, with important implications for health and environmental sustainability. Alt protein products are currently being manufactured and positioned as one possible solution to reduce the environmental impact of meat consumption, yet, little is currently known about the Halal status of these products, nor the extent to which they appeal to Muslim consumers in emerging markets in Asia and Africa. Here, we explore key considerations regarding the acceptability of alt protein products for Muslim consumers, explore Halal certification requirements in the context of cultivated meat, and examine some unique beliefs within the Islamic faith that may support, as well as impede, widespread adoption of alt protein among the 2.8 billion Muslims of the future.

Consumers' Attitudes towards Animal Suffering: A Systematic Review on Awareness, Willingness and Dietary Change

Planetary and human health depend on Westerners' ability to reduce meat consumption. Meat production degrades the environment while excessive meat intake is associated with cancer and cardiovascular disease, among others. Effective reasons and motivations are needed for consumers to change their diet. The fact that modern animal agriculture inflicts a great deal of pain on animals from their birth to their slaughter, animal welfare/suffering may drive consumers to curtail their meat consumption. This systematic review examined a total of 90 papers to ascertain consumers' awareness of the pain animals experience in animal agriculture, as well as consumer attitudes towards meat reduction due to animal welfare. Results show that consumers have low awareness of animal agriculture. Awareness of animal agricultural practices and animal sentience is associated with increased negative attitudes towards animal suffering. Animal suffering due to farming practices, transportation, slaughter, and animal sentience are factors that may encourage a reduction in meat consumption, and even dietary change in the short term. There is also evidence that animal suffering may be a more compelling motivation for consumers' willingness to change their diet than for health or environmental reasons. Therefore, increasing consumers' awareness of animal suffering in meat production is paramount to contributing to reduced pressure on the environment and improved human health.

Welfare indicators for stunning versus non-stunning slaughter in sheep and cattle: A scoping review

BACKGROUND

While most cattle and sheep in the United Kingdom are stunned before slaughter, non-stun methods are permitted to supply meat to specific consumers. This study aimed to identify the existing literature that compared animal welfare indicators during stun and non-stun slaughter, using a scoping review framework.

METHOD

Following a structured search strategy, including the establishment of a PICO (population, intervention, comparator and outcomes) question, a comprehensive literature search of the CAB Abstracts, MEDLINE and PubMed databases, was conducted. A total of 962 papers were identified, of which 16 were selected for data extraction.

RESULTS

Fourteen papers concluded that welfare at slaughter was negatively impacted at non-stun slaughter in comparison to stun slaughter; two papers were inconclusive. Welfare indicators identified included biochemical parameters, brain activity and visual signs of consciousness. Limitations regarding inconsistent restraint method, neck cut position and non-standardised measures of welfare at slaughter are highlighted.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides further evidence that stunning is an effective method to improve the welfare of sheep and cattle at slaughter. Animal welfare advisors, politicians, religious communities and others interested in animal welfare could use the findings to further discuss and establish new dialogues for producing updated guidance on animal welfare at slaughter.