Roger-Luc Chayer (Image : Meta AI / Gay Globe)
The Presence of Halal Food in Grocery Stores and Schools in the West
An increasing number of consumers in Western countries are expressing outrage over the presence of halal food in grocery stores and school cafeterias. These individuals are offended that religious rites are associated with the food sold in these same establishments.
It is true that products labeled as halal are now more frequently seen in the meat aisles, as well as in flyers from major grocery chains. However, it is important to put this situation into context, without falling into racism or discrimination.
What Does Halal Mean in Terms of Food?
In the context of food, halal means that the products comply with the dietary rules prescribed by the Muslim religion. This notably involves preparation and ingredients that conform to the Quranic prescriptions, excluding anything considered impure or forbidden, such as pork or alcohol. Halal meat comes from animals slaughtered according to a specific ritual, ensuring respect for religious requirements. More broadly, this label reassures Muslim consumers that their food complies with the principles of their faith.
Indeed, it is surprising in our secular societies to see that some religious groups do not always integrate with the customs of the countries where they live. However, what seems to shock consumers most is that the price of halal food is often lower than that of other products.
Personal Comfort and Position Regarding Halal Food
Personally, and I speak only for myself, I feel some discomfort, especially at the idea that if I want, for example, to buy a steak on promotion labeled halal, much cheaper than a regular steak, I have to accept that a religious figure has intervened before on this steak to examine it, make it conform to the Quran, or even bless it.
As a gay person, I do not feel comfortable with this situation and, with a rare exception a few years ago, I have never knowingly consumed halal food. I remain consistent with myself, especially since I have condemned for years all religions for the acts they have committed against LGBTQ+ persons, pregnant women, rape victims, and many others.
The Halal Slaughter Ritual
Halal slaughter must be performed by a competent person (often a practicing Muslim) who pronounces an invocation (the blessing “Bismillah”) at the moment of slaughter, but this does not mean an imam must be present or that he directly blesses the food itself.
Religious Certifications in Grocery Stores
Do other religions also have their own certified products in grocery stores?
Where it becomes complicated is that most consumers are unaware that nearly all products sold in grocery stores— in fact, everything edible — are already subject to certifications linked to another religion, often in opposition to the first: kosher certification. Yes, you read that right, the Jewish religion intervenes in our food, and on an even larger scale than halal.
In grocery stores, kosher food is subject to a certification system by recognized rabbinical organizations. These bodies ensure that products strictly respect Jewish dietary laws, from ingredient selection to manufacturing and packaging. Each certified product carries a symbol called a hechsher, which guarantees to the consumer that it has been inspected and approved according to kosher standards.
Supervision may include a regular or occasional presence of a supervisor at production sites, especially for sensitive products such as meat or prepared meals. The rules also impose strict separation between meat and dairy foods, which affects their storage and presentation in stores. Finally, certification is regularly renewed through audits to maintain standards.
Religious Symbols and Codes on Food Products
During your next grocery visit, take the time to observe cans, sauce bottles, or dry products such as pasta or rice. You will see a multitude of religious symbols, often incomprehensible to the average consumer, which actually represent religious codes. Almost all the food we consume is subject to the prescriptions or certifications of different beliefs. Despite our societies being secular, this religious influence deeply permeates our daily lives, questioning our autonomy in food choices.
Here are some common examples of kosher symbols (or hechsherim) found on kosher-certified food products:
- OU: The most recognized symbol, issued by the Orthodox Union, one of the largest kosher certification organizations in the world.
- Kof-K: Another popular symbol from an American rabbinical authority.
- Star-K: Symbol of a strict kosher certification recognized internationally.
- Chof-K: Kosher certification from a rabbinical organization.
- OK: A logo certifying kashrut, recognized in many countries.
- CRC: Symbolizes kosher certification issued by the Chicago Rabbinical Council.
- MK: Kosher certification originating from Montreal, also used in other regions.
Lack of Certification for Other Religions
The problem is that, unfortunately, all this happens at the expense of consumers’ knowledge, who apparently were never consulted before religiously approved food was offered in Western grocery stores.
Are there any foods, meats, or canned goods with Catholic or Scientology certifications? Of course not, because the real losers here are we, who had no idea.
Halal and Kosher: Controversies Around LGBT Positions
As I mentioned earlier, it seems utterly absurd to me that the two religions most influential over our food are also among the most homophobic in the world — and this is no exaggeration.
In Orthodox Judaism, male homosexuality is explicitly forbidden in the Torah, notably in Leviticus (18:22, 20:13), where relations between men are called an “abomination.” These texts have traditionally been interpreted as condemnation of homosexual acts. Orthodox Judaism generally does not recognize same-sex unions, and homosexuality is often viewed as incompatible with religious law.
In Islam, the texts of the Quran and the hadiths (sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad) also condemn homosexual relations, considered sinful. Traditional Islam teaches that sexual relations must occur only within the marriage between a man and a woman. In some countries where Islamic law is strictly applied, homosexual acts may be criminalized and punishable by death. Nevertheless, there are also progressive Muslim voices calling for a more inclusive reinterpretation of the texts.
Conclusion
So, bon appétit and stay attentive to the details!