Halal-Certified Australian Beef and Lamb in the UK

The availability of Halal-certified Australian Beef and Lamb in the UK represents more than just a dietary option. It proves a commitment to diversity, ethical practices, sustainability, and culinary excellence.

 

Halal Beef and Halal Lamb are important in the UK’s diverse and multicultural society.  High quality halal-certified meat is vital for many consumers.  

Australian Beef and Lamb is a reliable choice, meeting stringent Halal standards and maintaining quality and ethical practices.  Approximately 80% of registered Australian red meat exporters have products that are Halal certified. We always recommend ensuring the brand you want to purchase carries Halal certification.  

Traceability plays a huge part in the trust and recognition that have been built around beef and lamb exports from Australia. Australia’s world-leading animal identification systems provide verification and reassurance that products meet the exacting specifications for halal-certified meat products.

Australia is a big exporter to countries with large Muslim populations such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia.  Most Australian Beef and Lamb in the UK is Halal certified, meeting strict standards from farm to fork. 

Halal Meat Consumption in the UK

According to the Office for National Statistics, 3.9million people in the UK identify as Muslim, a number that continues to grow each year. This means that the requirement for halal meat in the UK is also rising.

The Halal sector accounts for a large share of the UK's meat output with 71% of all sheep meat produced using the Halal method of slaughter.

British Muslims have a diet high in meat, especially Halal lamb eating an estimated 20% of all lamb consumed in England.

Is all Australian Lamb and Beef Halal?

A large majority of Australian Beef and Lamb available in the UK is Halal certified, adhering to rigorous standards from farm to fork. The Halal certification process in Australia is captured in legislation. It encompasses every stage, starting from the rearing of livestock through to processing and distribution.

Since 2009, the Australian Government Authorised Halal Programme (AGAHP) has composed a strict set of guidelines for production and export of red meat such as halal beef steaks and halal lamb chops. Each step is monitored and verified by accredited, certifying bodies to ensure Halal requirements are followed.

The meat is marked with a clear halal stamp. The stamp is put on its tags, wrappings, and other coverings. Additionally, the stamp is put on all labels on cartons and containers holding the meat.  AGAHP guarantees that buyers worldwide can trust that halal practices are respected when purchasing Australian Beef and Lamb.

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The Halal certification process

A strict process is followed for Halal-certified red meat exports from Australia.

The AGAHP legislation guarantees authorisation by Approved Islamic Organisations (AIOs). It means that the Halal method of slaughter must be performed to a specific standard.

The animal is received at the abattoir and its unique traceability tags are recoded. A vet will check over all animals to make sure they are healthy and fit for human consumption.

An authorised Islamic organisation will confirm the products’ Halal eligibility and the Department of Agriculture officials will ensure all compliance requirements are met.

All meat Halal meat must be accompanied by an official Halal certificate. A legible official halal stamp is applied to the meat, to tags, wrappings, or other covering around the meat, and to all labels on cartons and other containers in which the meat is placed.

An Australian Halal certification provides trust, assuring consumers of compliance with religious requirements.  Customers of Chefs and Butchers providing Halal-certified Australian Beef and Lamb, can confidently choose these products, whether that be a halal beef burger or halal leg of lamb.

Identification and tracking

Australian Halal-certified beef and lamb producers also pride themselves on traceability. Full transparency is available throughout the supply chain. Consumers can access information about the origins of the meat they consume, fostering a sense of trust and confidence.

Australia has a world leading animal identification and tracking system which monitors the movement of every single animal from birth, through to slaughter and processing.

The National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) is Australia's system for the traceability of cattle, sheep and goats. It began in 1999 and reflects Australia's commitment to biosecurity and food safety. It ensures that Halal procedures are followed by tracking the movements of each animal from birth to slaughter.

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The Ethics of Australian Halal Beef and Lamb

An important element of Halal requirements is that animals are treated well throughout their lives. They must be given freedom to roam, access good food and clean, safe drinking water. Australia prides itself on raising cattle and sheep in some of the best conditions and has an environment ideally suited to meet animal welfare requirements.

Beyond religious adherence and quality of life, Australian beef and lamb producers are keen to emphasise sustainability. The farming industry implements environmentally friendly practices, such as responsible land management and water conservation. It has ambitious aims and is on track to meet ecological targets while sustaining the health of the animals.

Confidence for Chefs and Restaurant Owners

Australian products offer reliability and assurance for chefs and restaurant owners seeking to serve Halal beef and lamb. Chefs can confidently serve halal lamb shank recipes and halal wagyu beef sourced from Australia.

The Halal certification of Australian beef and lamb provides peace of mind, allowing chefs to be confident of quality and authenticity. Australian Halal grass-fed beef and lamb are highly regarded for their exceptional quality and tenderness. They are popular in both traditional and modern dishes.

A list of distributors for Australian Beef and Lamb products in the UK can be found here .

Australian Beef and Lamb - Embracing Diversity, Ensuring Excellence

Halal certification, coupled with a focus on animal welfare and transparent procedures, ensures that consumers can confidently choose Australian beef and lamb products in line with their dietary preferences.

Halal-certified Australian Beef and Lamb are available to empower consumers and provide safe options for chefs and restaurant owners.

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