The stealth take over continues. Achmed could open his own halal and goat rental stand. Hint for the Brits: If the menu doesn’t include pork don’t eat there
Via The Daily Mail
Supermarkets and restaurant chains face being forced to label food containing halal meat as a row grew over millions of customers being left in the dark about what they are eating.
Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg today demanded better labelling using a designated logo, but insisted he was happy to eat a halal pizza.
MPs could use a debate on new consumer legislation next week to force a change in the law, after it emerged ore than 70 per cent of all New Zealand lamb in supermarkets is from halal abattoirs – a fact not stated on labelling.
Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, Waitrose and Marks & Spencer all confirmed they sell the imported meat.
The switch to slaughtering animals in line with Islamic ritual saves money because the end product can be eaten by Muslims and non-Muslims alike.
David Cameron refused to intervene on the issue. His spokesman said: ‘The Prime Minister’s view is that it is an issue of consumer choice and consumer information.
‘So it is a matter for retailers and restaurants to work with customers and consumer groups and representatives of faith organisations.’
But Mr Clegg said: ‘It is a question of labelling. I think there should be more information.’
The Deputy Prime Minister said he has ‘absolutely no problem with eating a pizza with halal meat on it at all.’
And Commons Leader Andrew Lansley told MPs that a debate on the Consumer Rights Bill next week could be used to address public concerns.
He said the legislation was focused ‘giving consumers not only rights but information on which they can base their purchasing decisions.’
It also emerged that all chicken served by Pizza Express is halal – something made clear only on the company’s website.
Chains including Domino’s, GBK, Nando’s, KFC, Ask and Slug & Lettuce use halal meat in some dishes, mainly chicken, and locations.
When contacted by the Mail yesterday, many of the restaurants were reluctant to discuss the issue. Only Subway and KFC overtly label halal meat products on their menus.