How To Find The Right Halal Butchers
If you are looking to buy Halal meats, then finding the right butcher can be a bit of a minefield. Do they follow the right Halal procedures? Has there been any cross-contamination with non-Halal products? Do they offer a wide-range of Halal produce?
At IMS of Smithfield, we are experienced in providing high-quality, fresh meats to a wide range of customers and that includes those looking for Halal products. But not all butchers are the same, so we take a look at what you need to consider and what you need to look out for if you are shopping for Halal produce.
What Is Halal Meat?
If this is the first time you’ve had to buy Halal meat, then you might be wondering what it is and how it differs from non-Halal meat. Well, the word ‘Halal’ means permissible in Arabic and eating Halal meat is an essential part of the Muslim faith. It basically means that animals are reared, raised, and slaughtered in accordance with Muslim beliefs and Islamic law. Some of the principles of Halal meat are:
- Halal animals should be kept separate from pigs and must not be slaughtered in the same area. This is because, according to Islamic belief, pork is dirty, and should not be eaten or touched.
- The animals must be alive and healthy at the time of slaughter.
- A Muslim should slaughter the animals.
- All blood must be drained away from the carcass.
- The preferred method of slaughter uses a sharp knife to cut through the jugular vein.
- If possible, the animal should face Mecca when slaughtered.
At IMS of Smithfield, we prepare our Halal produce in a fully accredited and segregated processing station and always meet Halal Red Tractor certified standards. We supply Halal products to a wide range of commercial clients, including Muslim nursing homes, schools, and first and business class airline cabins. As such, you can rest assured that when you’re buying from us, you’re getting the best products on the market.
What meat is Halal?
As mentioned earlier, Muslims do not eat pork, but aside from this, practically any meat can be Halal, as long as the butcher adheres to Islamic law when slaughtering animals.
At IMS of Smithfield, we offer a selection of different Halal meats from a variety of animals, including:
- Lamb
- Beef
- Chicken
- Turkey
- Sausages
- Burgers
Our team treats Halal food in the same way they treat all products; with professionalism. They know how to prepare products following Islamic law and will deliver it to your door ready to cook. So, no matter what the occasion or what you require, you can be confident you’ll receive the very best Halal meat on the market.
How Can You Tell If Meat Is Halal?
When it comes to taste, Halal meat tastes the same as most products, so you need to make sure you use a trustworthy butcher.
If you’re working with a low-quality meat supplier that doesn’t take pride in their work, then you might not receive the right product. Make sure you talk to your butcher about their procedures, so that you can find the right supplier.
Our team offers customised labelling on all of our Halal products, so you can trace the origins of your meat and understand how we prepared it. This means you can always trust us to give you the products you need.
Another way to check whether meat is Halal is to see if a Muslim food authority accredits the butcher you’re using. We work closely with Halal Red Tractor so you know you can trust our products.
Another warning sign is if a butcher won’t show you any accreditation, or isn’t happy to talk about their Halal food practices. It’s always better to choose a butcher, like us, who offers a transparent process.
Can Non-Halal Meat Contaminate Halal Meat?
Many butchers offer Halal and non-Halal options. If this is the case, you need to look at their preparation practices to ensure there is no cross-contamination.
All Halal products should be stored and prepared away from other products. We prepare our products in a designated space, away from other produce, and also store them in a separate area. This ensures all of our Halal meats are free from contamination and you can be confident all of our products are fresh and delicious. Look for a butcher that operates at these high standards so that you and your loved ones can enjoy fresh, tasty meals.
Choose a Halal Butcher who offers a comprehensive range of products
When you’re buying quality meats, you want to find a butcher who can deliver a wide selection of products, so you can get everything you need from one provider.
As a leading purveyor of fine meats for more than 40 years, IMS of Smithfield can offer everything. For anyone who wants to create traditional meals, we have basics like chicken, lamb, and beef. We also have more niche products such as game meats and turkey. For our Muslim clients, we also offer a wide range of Halal meats.
This incredible selection of top-quality products, combined with our extensive expertise, is the reason why customers come back to us time and time again. From families and individuals to wholesale customers, many customers source their meat from us.
If you’d like to join our list of satisfied customers, then feel free to order online using our online shop or visit our London store. You can also contact us if you’d like to find out more about our range of products and services.
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