Food labelling may be reviewed
More than 80 per cent of halal meat in the UK in stunned before slaughter.
A spokeswoman for David Cameron has said the Government will review the labelling of ritually slaughtered meat, if the food industry fails to act.
According to a BBC News report, the spokeswoman said the Government wants more "transparency" and consumers need more information about slaughter methods. The issue is set for review in a few months' time.
Previously, on May 8, it was reported that David Cameron's spokesman said food labelling was a matter for retailers.
This follows recent reports across national newspapers that a number of leading supermarkets stock meat that could qualify as halal but is not labelled as such.
Prior to the debate hitting the headlines, BVA launched a Government e-petition calling for an end to non-stun slaughter in the UK, and better food labelling while the practice is permitted by law.
Under UK law, animals must be stunned before slaughter to render them insensible to pain. There are exceptions for halal and kosher meat.
The organisation has been campaigning for a ban on non-stun slaughter on the basis that it compromises animal welfare; the campaign does not relate to religion.
BVA has stressed that in the UK, more than 80 per cent of halal meat is stunned prior to slaughter. This means there is very little difference to standard meat, except animals are blessed as they are killed.
Henry Grunwald, chairman of Shechita UK said in a letter to the Daily Telegraph: "Comprehensive labelling should be supported by faith communities and animal welfare groups alike."
Since its recent launch, the BVA e-petition has already received nearly 50,000 signatures. To view the petition or sign, click here.
Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.
