Pros and cons of different stunning methods from a Halal perspective: a review

Abstract

There has always been a debate about the acceptability of stunning methods for preparing Halal slaughtered meat. Throughout the last few decades, stunning methods have become acceptable for Halal slaughtering due to an increasing majority of Muslim countries issuing Fatwas (religious rulings) that approve of stunning methods for the Halal slaughtering of food animals. With an increasing Muslim population worldwide, Halal meat provision is important for Muslims both economically and ethically. Moreover, there have been concerns regarding traditional Halal slaughter without the use of stunning from the standpoint of the animal’s welfare. This article reviews the different stunning methods available and the associated processing practices, addressing their pros and cons in the commercial production of Halal meat.

Stunning Compliance in Halal Slaughter: A Review of Current Scientific Knowledge

“…Heart beating has a positive effect on blood loss in animals. Any delay in bleeding after stunning may cause the heart to stop beating and prevent proper blood drainage [54], and an efficient captive bolt stunning may stop the heart from beating instantaneously [90].…”

“…There have been many debates going on about halal compliance of mechanical stunning, but still, there have been a lot of doubts and concerns mostly for penetrating captive bolt stunning. As Islam advocates avoiding doubtful things, some researchers even suggest avoiding the use of captive bolt mechanical stunning for halal meat slaughter [54] and require further research to fulfill the criteria of halal slaughter [92].…”

“…Islam is a comprehensive religion and has emphasized animal welfare protection and proper handling of animals, and it forbids any harm or pain to animals throughout the animal's life. In this context, some Islamic scholars advocate that stunning makes animals unconscious and does not cause death before slaughter, thus, stunning before slaughter is halal and acceptable [54]. Further, this technology is not explicitly prohibited in the Qur'an and Hadith, thus as long as the other commandments are followed (such as animals not dead during slaughter, as per Qur'an 2: 173, 5: 3), stunning is permitted.…”

“…There should be a minimum time lag between stunning and sticking. In addition, there is a common perception among the public that animals without stunning bleed out better than stunned animals [54].…”

Pengaruh Sertifikasi Dan Labelisasi Halal Terhadap Perilaku Pembelian Produk Mi Samyang (Studi Kasus Di Kabupaten Ujung Bulu Kabupaten Bulukuma)

“…Karena semua darah harus dikuras, daging Halal jelas lebih segar dan enak. Selain itu, tetap segar untuk jangka waktu yang lebih lama (Riaz et al, 2021). e. Etis Karena tidak diperbolehkan menyembelih hewan yang sakit, para peternak hewan halal perlu menjaga kondisi alami dan higienis untuk memastikan pertumbuhan hewan yang sehat dan bebas penyakit.…”