Australian Fatwa Council Rules Against Use of CAS Stunning for Halal Poultry

The method, common among major Australian poultry brands, is found to be at odds with Islamic principles for Halal slaughter.

Sydney, Australia — The Australian Fatwa Council is a distinguished institution dedicated to providing authoritative Islamic legal guidance in Australia. In a decision that could have wide-ranging implications for the poultry industry in Australia, the Australian Fatwa Council declared that Controlled Atmosphere Stunning (CAS) in its present form, does not meet the requirements for Halal certification under Islamic law.

Halal slaughter generally discourages the stunning of animals. However, an earlier Islamic verdict allowed for the practice if necessary to meet regulatory standards provided it adhered to specific conditions.

The Australian National Imams Council (ANIC), seeking clarity on the issue, had requested an evaluation of pre-slaughter poultry stunning using Controlled Atmosphere Stunning. Two veterinarians conducted the assessment at a prominent poultry processing facility that employs CAS, with the report subsequently submitted to the Fatwa Council. Additionally, the ANIC engaged a cardiologist to help interpret the vital signs and ECG results incorporated in the report.

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In their statement, the Fatwa Council explained that under the CAS method, the bird is considered dead before the slaughter, rendering it non-compliant with Halal standards. As a consequence, existing Halal certifications for facilities utilizing CAS are deemed void unless an exhaustive evaluation, including vital signs and ECG reports, is conducted and reviewed by the Council.

The Council further noted that no Muslim country globally recognizes CAS stunning of poultry as adhering to Halal standards.

Controlled Atmosphere Stunning is notably prevalent among leading brands in the Australian poultry industry. The ANIC voiced concerns, stating, “This method does not meet the minimum requirements to be considered for Halal consumption and should be avoided and decertified immediately.”

The ANIC revealed that it is in talks with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) to explore actions against the erroneous advertising and labeling of Halal products. The Council expressed concerns about certain businesses misleading consumers by indicating their poultry is sourced exclusively from electrically-stunned facilities, whereas they may also source from CAS-stunned facilities. With its commitment to serving the needs of the Australian Muslim community, the Australian Fatwa Council stands as a trusted resource for religious rulings and interpretations.