Fast food outlets asked to ensure import of halal meat

PFA orders outlets to adopt the Malaysian Protocol for halal meat.

LAHORE: Punjab Food Authority (PFA) has directed all franchised fast food outlets to ensure the use of halal meat, The Express Tribune has learnt.

“The directions were issued after the authority received several complaints that meat being imported by the food outlets was obtained through stunning,” a PFA official, requesting anonymity, said.

“The authority held a meeting under the supervision of its chairperson Justice (retd) Aamer Raza Khan to discuss the issue. It was recommended that import and use of meat of stunned chicken, goat and cattle be banned. During the process of stunning, an animal either expires or its nervous system slows down and that affects the beating of the heart. The consumption of such meat leads to various diseases. According to Islamic teachings, such meat is not halal. The authority directed the stakeholders (butchers and fast food outlets) to adopt the Malaysian Protocol for the Halal meat and poultry production,” he said.



“According to the protocol, stunning is the process of rendering animals immobile or unconscious prior to their being slaughtered for food. Various methods are used aiming to allow the animal to bleed while it is still alive. An animal that is dead before it has bled out is unsuitable for halal consumption,” the official said.

“The authority has directed the operators of all franchised food outlets that if they are willing to import chicken it should be from Malaysia. They can use locally produced meat. The authority will check import certificates of all franchises to ensure that halal stuff is being imported and used in making of fast food,” the official said.

According to data, around 54 franchised fast food outlets are doing business in the city.

Asad Mahni, PFA director general, said that instructions had been given to all the outlets for strict implementation of the recommendations. “The operators have been directed to submit certificates about the use of halal chicken in all their products to the authority for verification,” he added.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 21^st, 2014.