Millions being secretly served with halal meat

MILLIONS of people are being secretly served Islamic-style halal meat at canteens, cafes and takeaways.

Millions of people are being served halal meat Millions of people are being served halal meat

Chefs at schools, hospitals and sports grounds are preparing dishes in line with strict Muslim law – without telling customers.

The controversial practice has been accepted by such places as Ascot racecourse, Wembley and Twickenham sports grounds and by Whitbread, the brewers and pub operators.

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It emerged as the Pope used his visit to Britain to call for traditional Christian values and customs to be protected.

In a speech to Parliament, Pope Benedict warned against “those who argue that the public celebration of festivals such as Christmas should be discouraged.”

He said their motive was “the questionable belief that it might somehow offend those of other religions or none”. Last night critics attacked using meat from cattle, sheep and chickens which are slaughtered halal-style without being stunned first. They also condemned the secrecy adopted by companies serving millions of halal meals to the public.

Andrew Rosindell, a Tory MP and secretary of the parliamentary group for animal welfare, said: “I don’t object to people of different religious groups being catered for. But it’s not something that should be imposed on everybody else. The majority would not want meat of this origin.

“The outlets have a duty to let their customers know because some will object very strongly, not least because of the animal welfare implications of halal.”

Keith Porteous Wood, of the National Secular Society, said: “It is disgraceful if ­people aren’t being told the food they are being served is from meat not stunned prior to slaughter.” James Brandon, of the Quilliam Foundation, a moderate Islamic think-tank, said: “People have the right to know what they are eating.”

Animal rights group Viva, whose supporters include Heather Mills and Joanna Lumley, called for a boycott of eating places which serve halal. In 2003 the Farm Animal Welfare Council claimed halal slaughter caused suffering to animals.

The lethal wound sent inform­ation to the brain which “would result in very significant pain and distress,” its report said. The RSPCA said: “Many people are extremely concerned about animal welfare.” Whitbread, which also owns Costa coffee shops and Premier Inn hotels, admitted 80 per cent of the chicken it serves is halal. A spokesman said: “It is not mentioned on our menus because we don’t think there is customer demand for that information.”

Twickenham, which sells only halal chicken, claimed lack of transparency had “never been an issue”. Ascot racecourse said it was easier to store and cook only one type of meat. “All our chicken is halal,” a spokesman said. “This is not advertised as the menus are kept as simple as possible.”

An FA spokesman confirmed that beef, chicken and lamb sold at Wembley Stadium was halal.

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