Although the Slaughterhouse Act 1974 provided the Muslims the facilities for slaughtering animals or birds according to their religious requirements, the actual situation of the trade was entirely different. The HFA ensured that the Muslim slaughterers were not only qualified for the job, but also were knowledgeable in the Islamic theory of slaughter. The HFA made general public aware the difference between halal and non-halal meat. The HFA identified slaughterhouses, which were not in full compliance of the ethical remits. In fact the end user of meat and poultry became aware of retailers who intentionally mixed halal meat with non-halal.

The HFA is a member of the Beef Labelling Scheme of the Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food. It is the only Muslim body authorised to authenticate halal beef and validate traceability and movement of beef from the farm to table. The HFA is not only liaising with authorities concerned on BSE and CJD, it has also been instrumental in assisting DEFRA (Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) to bring about the smooth implementation of the laws of sheep strategy by splitting the carcass in two halves from the neck to the bottom of the spine thus allowing for the removal of the spinal cord and spleen. The HFA has been one of the consultative bodies of the DEFRA on poultry standardisation and water contents in fresh and frozen poultry.

The HFA is at the forefront on the "Genetically Modified Crops and Food" issues and similarly we liaise with departments concerned on Food Labelling in general. This task has now been taken over by the newly found Foods Standard Agency and the HFA is co-ordinating with the FSA on various issues within jurisdiction.

The HFA has assiduously been reviewing the current situation and availability of halal additives, emulsifiers, colourings and the like.

©Halal Food Authority 2006