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CERTIFICATION OF HALAL MEAT / PRODUCTS BY IFI

Introduction

Ireland is well known for its beef and diary production, and has, for many years been a leading exporter of Halal meat to Muslim countries. Unfortunately, following the BSE crisis beef exports to Muslim countries have completely stopped. 
At present small shipments of lamb are being exported to Muslim communities in Europe. However, on the other hand there is a growing export trade of diary and food products to Muslim countries. 

The Islamic Foundation of Ireland has been involved since 1980 as the certifying authority for Halal meat exported from Ireland to Muslim countries. In 1985 a separate department within the Foundation, the Halal Meat Section, was set up to oversee the supervision and certification of Halal meat. At some stage there were over thirty slaughter men and supervisors employed by the Halal Meat Section.

Current Situation

At present the Islamic Foundation of Ireland only certifies dairy products, children formulae and other food products and ingredients manufactured by various Irish food companies that are exporting to Muslims countries and Muslim communities around the world. 

The Islamic Foundation of Ireland is recognised as the sole Halal certifying authority in Ireland by Kuwait Municipality (Notice No. 46/83.) and by the General Secretariat of Municipalities in the United Arab Emirates. 
The latter sent a delegation to Ireland to investigate the Irish Islamic institutions that are involved in the authentication of Halal products to the United Arab Emirates. Upon the recommendation of the delegation the Municipality decided: 

• To continue its recognition of the Islamic Foundation of Ireland as the only certifying authority of Halal products to the United Arab Emirates. 
• To refuse authentication by the Bray Islamic Society, the Islamic Centre of Ireland and the Muslim Centre of Islamic Society Dublin – as these are commercial offices and not Islamic institutions.