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Reasons why Jews oppose mechanical, electrical or other methods of stunning:

Published 27/02/2023 / by admin

Reasons why Jews oppose mechanical, electrical or other methods of stunning:

  • Shechita must be the only method of slaughter for food animals as laid down in the Torah (Al-Taurat)
  • The animal must be living, viable and undamaged (stunning inflicts damage to the animal which makes the meat non-kosher for Jews (Haram)
  • Stunning introduces another aspect to the slaughter procedure which is forbidden
  • The shechita method automatically renders the animal unconscious (stun) so there is no need to use another stunning method either before or after slaughter
  • With post-cut stunning the process of dying is interfered with, thus it might not be known with certainty what caused the death.

In addition to being an unwarranted interference, the effect of an imposed post-cut stun could prevent the animal from making the involuntary post-mortem reflexes which facilitate exsanguination from the carcase, thereby causing the halachic (Jewish Religious Law) problem of blood being absorbed back into the meat. This would be contrary to religious requirements, since the blood is forbidden to be eaten by Jews.

The sudden impact of stunning can cause the following injuries in an animal: lacerations of the capillaries in the lungs; pathological changes in the central nervous system; a common result is also vertebral fracture.

Stunning of poultry is also forbidden by Jews for the above reasons. Research by Animal Aid has shown that the electrical stunning of poultry causes much suffering, it is impossible to give the correct voltage to each bird on the line resulting in some chickens receiving too little electrical current to render them unconscious, a most painful experience, and other chickens who receive a lethal shock will be dead before slaughter.

 

From a hygiene perspective stunning before slaughter does not allow full bleed-out and blood is retained in the carcase. Since blood putrefies very rapidly harmful bacteria accumulate in the meat fibres which greatly reduces its meat-keeping qualities.

Meat slaughtered by shechita is painless to the animal and healthier for humans,

I hope this has been helpful. Good luck in Bosnia Inshallah

Best regards

Chanoch

 

 

 

Chanoch Kesselman

Executive Coordinator

 

Union of Orthodox Hebrew Congregations

of The United Kingdom and Commonwealth

140 Stamford Hill

London N16 6QT

 

Tel:  020 8802 6226 #218

Fax: 020 8809 6590

email: ck@uohc.co.uk

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AUTHENTIC HALAL PROPHETIC  DHABH/ZABIHA

Published 27/02/2023 / by admin

THE AUTHENTIC HALAL PROPHETIC  DHABH/ZABIHA(animal slaughter) FOR TRUE HALAL MEAT ACCORDING TO THE QUR’AN AND SUNNAH

 

INTRODUCTION

Islam, the final religion to mankind, is a comprehensive full way of life.The holy book Al-Qur’an and the Sunnah(Ahadith/Actions) of the final prophet Muhammad (peace he upon him)  are the two major holy references for every Muslim for all affairs and all issues of life.

The method of DHABH(animal  slaughter) practiced by the Final Prophet Muhammad(Pbuh) was quite clear and shown to the companions (Sahabas) and is well recorded at that time, especially when the Prophet Muhammad(pbuh) did  the Dhabh  by his own gentle caring hands to the animal in front of all. .

It is the same method  which was practiced and adopted by the previous Prophets: Abraham, Moses and Jesus(peace be upon them), the same as done by Prophet Muhammad(PBUH).

It is the same method adopted by all schools of thoughts(the 4 MAZAHIBS…).

The act of Dhabh is sacred and permanent, however  the new technology and the new sciences can be used to facilitate more this holy act of animal slaughter or to  give better welfare to the animals.

Not only that but the Prophet Muhammad(pbuh) has warned us before in a clear Hadith that he will FIGHT all those who do not do DHABH(animal slaughter) like him.

 

THE HADITH:

Narrated by Anas bin Malik(RDA):ALLAH’s Messenger(peace be upon him) said:

“I HAVE BEEN ORDERED TO FIGHT THE PEOPLE TILL ………… SLAUGHTER  AS WE SLAUGHTER,…..”

(Bukhari,vol 1,book 8,the Book of As-salat,hadith number 392)

Surely, the use of stunning today or the machine for animal slaughter is different than the HUMANE method practiced by the merciful Prophet Muhammad(pbuh).

All these torture techniques(stunning) were invented by the non Muslims in the west, not for humane reasons as they claim?

According to many medical researches stunning has been found to cause:

-Pain and cruelty to the animal(Islam prohibits that)

-Death of some animals,by stopping the heart , especially poultry before doing the cut(Mitah and is haram to eat in the Qur’an)

-Less bleeding out by weakening the heart beats  and by causing internal haemorrhage inside the small blood vessel which are inside the meat and can not be seen called in the west: “SALT AND PEPPER HAEMORRHAGE”.

Blood here is consumed by the Muslim and blood is haram to consume as mentioned in the Qur’an and blood is a big health hazards medically?

-Risk to BSE/Mad cow disease in the cow/beef

-Disrupting and changing the natural healthy chemical ingredients of the meat which make it not Tayyib or natural and harmful to health.

Many Muslims do not know that to do DHABH(animal slaughter) without the use of any stunning is LEGAL in this country for both: Muslims and Jews.

The Jewish community do follow the law of the land and avoid the use of stunning completely, but our Muslim companies and most Halal shops do follow the non Muslims in their animal slaughter and use different types of stunning?

THEY ARE BETRAYING:ISLAM,PROPHET MUHAMMAD(pbuh) , THE MUSLIM CONSUMERS  AND THE LAW OF THE LAND …BY PUTTING THE LABEL ?HALAL? ON THEIR MEAT AND POULTRY WHICH CAME FROM STUNNED ANIMALS???

(Please see my medical research/study on STUNNING and the Prophetic method of DHABH by going to the website of AL AZHAR in Cairo:

http://www.azhar.jp/info/halal-eng/halal5.html – 131k   )

 

THE MUSLIM SLAUGHTERMAN

 

       * To be a  practicing Muslim

  • Well Educated on the Prophetic method of  DHABH(animal slaughter)
  • Trained in hygiene  laws and regulations, anatomy and  physiology of the neck and  to be certified and licensed to perform Prophetic Halal animal  slaughter(DHABH)
  • All Halal  DHABH/Zabiha to take place in licensed slaughterhouses which meet the Islamic criteria and the government’s  and EU regulations.

 

THE ANIMAL :

The animal should be permissible/halal and legal  to eat by meeting the strict criteria set by Islam which will clearly includes:

* The animal be healthy

  • Fed  and grown on a healthy, natural vegetarian , organic/Tayyib  “Halal” diet which should be free from animal proteins, porcine substances , filth/excreta or GM foods (genetically modified foods).
  • At time of Dhabh, the animal has to be fully alive, fully conscious and  able to hear, and not stressed at all(but relaxed and calm).
  • It should be fed and given water before Dhabh.
  • The knife must not be sharpened in  front of the animal
  • The Animal must NOT witness the slaughter of another animal
  • The animal should be manually handled(HAND SLAUGHTER) gently , refraining from any type of machine slaughter and no kicking or beating or sticking to the animal before slaughter

THE INTENTION (Niyyah)

 

 Is to obey ALLAH,  practice Prophet Muhammad’s method of Dhabh and eat Halal Tayyib meat  in order to feed ourselves,get healthy, stay alive  and in order to feed the poor and needy people.Before we do Dhabh, we are asking the permission of ALLAH to do this act of animal slaughter or killing . Halal Dhabh and Halal meat is one way to worship ALLAH and is a spiritual  and a  rewarding act .One should THANK ALLAH for allowing us to have this  highly nutritious food.

 

 

THE AUTHENTIC RECORDED  PROPHETIC METHOD OF DHABH:

-By holding the animal in a comfortable calm position, without causing  any stress or excitement

-It is advisable for the animal to face QIBLAH(Makkah)-By cutting the throat in the neck : by one swift/cut and  by using a very sharp, very clean and long knife-While mentioning TASMIAH(bismillah, ALLAH Akbar)/in the Name of ALLAH, ALLAH is greater).-Making sure to cut: The major blood vessels(Carotids and Jugulars),the Oesophagus, the Trachea but without cutting the Spinal cord–Without the use of any stunning technique(Torture techniques),before or after the cut-Then  the animal  to be left to die peacefully(physiological death), naturally and  without any interference or handling till he/she becomes completely MOTIONLESS.

 

UNFORTUNATELY MOST  ?HALAL? MUSLIM COMPANIES/ABATTOIRS/HALAL SHOPS/RESTAURANTS ARE NOT FOLLOWING THE LEGAL  PROPHET MUHAMMAD(pbuh)  IN HIS HUMANE SAFE  HEALTHY BLESSED METHOD OF DHABH(animal slaughter)

PARTLY DUE TO IGNORANCE BUT MOSTLY DUE TO GREED AND FINANCIAL REASONS???

THE OTHER SERIOUS  AND NEGLECTED ISLAMIC  ISSUE IS THE ABSCENCE OF TAYYIB(natural/wholesome  organic,healthy) ANIMAL AND MEAT AND POULTRY  IN ALMOST ALL MEAT/POULTRY ON THE MARKET IN HALAL SHOPS AND RESTAURANTS???

MORE:

MORE AND MORE  TO WORRY ABOUT: OUR SO CALLED HALAL MEAT  CHICKENS  AND  HALAL FOODS  ARE FOUND TO BE CONTAMINATED WITH PORK???

Dr A Majid Katme(MBBCH,DPM)

Spokesman: Islamic medical Association/UK on HALAL DHABH and HALAL MEAT

Medical researcher on the Prophetic method of Dhabh

Weekly TV broadcaster

Website(Partly done):

www.halaltayyibmeat.com

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MUSLIMS IN BRITAIN ALLOWED TO CARRY ON WITH THEIR RELIGIOUS ANIMAL SLAUGHTER WITHOUT STUNNING!

Published 27/02/2023 / by admin
    FOR PUBLICATION                                23/March/05
 
    MUSLIMS  IN BRITAIN ARE ARE ALLOWED AGAIN TO CARRY ON WITH THEIR RELIGIOUS  ANIMAL SLAUGHTER WITHOUT STUNNING!
Department for Environment,Food and Rural Affairs(DEFRA), which is a Government body, has  issued its NEWS RELEASE on the 8th March/2005 titled:
GOVERNMENT RESPONSE TO THE FARM ANIMAL WELFARE COUNCIL’S(FAWC) REPORT ON WELFARE AT SLAUGHTER
In this response,the Animal Welfare minister,Mr Ben Bradshaw,has stated:
“the Government has maintained its position in not accepting FAWC’s recommendation that slaughter without prior stunning should be banned!
He  also said: the Government respected the rights of communities in Britain to slaughter animals in accordance with the requirements of their religion”
 And In his response to Recommendation 201 he said:
“the Government does not intend to ban the slaughter of animals without prior stunning by religious groups..the Government is committed to respect the rights of religious groups (Jewish and Muslims)…”
We like here,on behalf of the British muslims, to thank the Minister/Government and DEFRA for their understanding  and acceptance of our religious rights and needs in animal slaughter/DHABH,without the use of any stunning technique,and  as in the present British  law now.
 However,we like to confirm again that ,the religious method/without stunning,is the only HUMANE method which was prescribed by GOD ..and was implemented by all prophets of GOD: Abraham,Moses,Jesus and Muhammad,the final prophet(peace be upon them) as a mercy to man and to  animals!
Not only that ,but it does give  us also the most healthy type of meat,as prooved by the new medical sciences.
We like to  appeal to the Minister and to DEFRA,to reconsider : this  Divine humane 
method for all animal slaughter in Britain,and to STOP all stunning techniques,for the welfare of the animals and for the Health of our nation!
We,also like to appeal to all the muslims involved in animal slaughter/”HALAL”,to stick to prophet Muhammad’s way in animal slaughter/DHABH,and without any type of stunning/torture techniques,especially when the law of the land allows us to do that.
Unfortunately,we have to admit that ,the majority of the  so called:”HALAL MEAT”.”.HALAL FOOD” which are sold to the muslims today ARE NOT HALAL BUT “HARAM”!
And those “muslims” involved in this “HARAM” business, are Betraying Sayyidna Muhammad,peace be upon him,cheating their own muslim community , inflicting a lot of cruely on animals and feeding our innocent children/community:
“Haram” unhealthy meat!!!!
Here is a list of some Websites which expose the the Harams,Health hazards and the cruelties inflicted on the innocent animals when stunning is used:
–www.unstunnedhalal.com
-www.iccuk.org/www.iccservices.org.uk(Regent Park mosque/Islamic Cultural Centre)
-www.mcb.org.uk/health  (Muslim Council of Britain)
-www.halalmc.org      (Halal Monitoring Committee)
-www.chechitauk.org  (Jewish)
Another neglected issue by the muslims,is important to emphasize:
TO FEED/GROW the ANIMALS before doing any halal  slaughter: on natural diet/organic(grass and plants,as mentioned in the Qur’an):  And to avoid completely animal proteins Genetically modified feed and  all hormones,antibiotics and chemicals, in order to have TAYYIB meat(natural,pure,wholesome,healthy  safe and blessed…)
Time has come to put our house in order,especially in Halal meat and Food!
For any enquiry,please contact me on: 07944 240 622 E-mail: akatme@hotmail.com
(I am available for interview).
                                               Dr A.Majid Katme
                  Muslim Spokesman on Halal meat and Food/Islamic Medical Association
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Animals in Islam and their rights!

Published 27/02/2023 / by admin

ANIMALS IN ISLAM AND THEIR RIGHTS                         

In  Islam we are taught that…-God Almighty has created/ made, mankind, animals and all the universe.-Man is the   Vicegerent of GOD/khalifah   and is  placed in charge of all the creatures like animals  -This status gives man  a great responsibility/accountability and he should be caring for whatis placed under his control.

– Man was created directly from dust/sand,Animals were created separately,
This means that:
 Darwin Theory is a theory/a myth and is not correct!
 Evolution of man from animals is not a true fact and is not accepted in Islam
 But some “evolution” did occurs in the same species: in both:man and animals.
 Muslims believe in the unique  separate creation of each species.  – Each animal should be treated with gentlness and respect,love and care.(RIFQ)-The Holy Book: AL  QUR’AN and the Sayings/AHADITH and the behaviour of the final prophet Muhammad(peace be upon him) contain a lot of details on ANIMALS and how to treat them?– Several chapters in the Holy Book AL QUR’AN are  named/titled after the animals or some insects,for example: the COW(biggest chapter),The Cattle,The Ant,The Bees,The Spider, The Elephant …  and many other animals which  were mentioned include :sheep, goat, camel, horse, donkey, fish, birds,frog,monkey,whale and so on..-Every kind of  animal is a COMMUNITY like us,according to the Qur’an.
(“THERE IS NO ANIMAL ON EARTH,NOR BIRD WHICH FLIES ON WINGS,BUT THEY ARE
 COMMUNITIES LIKE YOU!
WE HAVE NEGLECTED NOTHING IN THE BOOK,THEN TO THEIR LORD THEY WILL BE GATHERED!”)    Chapter 6/verse 38    COMMUNITY means that each kind of animal(& insect), has its own unique way of eating, sleeping, reproduction, language, recreation, social life, feelings, needs (cultureand habits…) which should be studied, respected ,protected   then fully facilitated!
(Communities of  :horse,sheep,cow,birds,whale,seal,monkey,dog,fish,chicken,bear,donkey,spider,bees,
 elephant,cat,butterfly etc….)-Every animal praises  God the Creator…!(each has his/her own way of servingand praising God(prayer)..but we do not understand it,as mentioned in theQUR’AN).-Animals have got souls.-Animals will be raised on the Day of Judgment, man will be questioned byGod, if he/she has mistreated any animal in their life and justice will begiven to every animal and punishment for the wrong doer…!
-Many animals go to Heaven!
-In Islam, Muslims are ordered to give each animal:his/her RIGHTS:

-natural food(no animal protein to the vegeterian animals which we do eat,no Genetically modified food…) and to protect them from any filthy harmful food/chemicals…-water( natural/safe)– natural  conception/pregnancy,offsprings ,motherhood and breast feeding-security/shelter and safety and protection from wild carniverous animals-protection from cold/rain/drought…-To be used for what GOD has created it( its natural function):for example not to ride a cow..but ride a horse.-to be treated when affected by any illness.(vet)-to live among its own community/society.-freedom to some extent: access to sun air space and opportunity for: flying jumping and playing(recreation).-Healthy living:no bad unnatural diet,no hormones and antibiotics no dangerous chemicals.-right  for its  “complaint and be heard”!-right to have justice especially on the Day of Judgment-right for a gentle humane care and welfare.THE 5 FREEDOMS OF THE FARM ANIMAL WELFARE COUNCIL ARE GRANTED AND GUARANTEED TO EVERY ANIMAL IN ISLAM:Freedom from hunger and thirst,freedom from discomfort,freedom from pain injury and disease,freedom to express normal behaviour,freedom from fear and distress(these RIGHTS and Freedoms, are based on some verses in the Holy BOOK AL QUR’AN and some AHADITH/Sayings and  stories which occured with the prophet Muhammad,peace be upon him/see later)(also if you look and search the internet,you will find :Under ANIMAL CARE AND WELFARE IN ISLAM:  1,090,000 sites/studiesUnder ANIMAL RIGHTS IN ISLAM  : 4,610,000  sites/studies .This is true mainly in domestic animals and the animals which we are allowed toeat and consume.(but other wild animals to be protected in their own communities)-Any cruelty/harsh treatment or infliction of pain to any animal is forbidden  in Islam and is a SIN and is  punishable,as in:

 fox hunting,bull fighting, cock fighting, factory farming, caging/imprisoning, painful unnecessary vivisection/ most animal experiments,cloning,stunning before slaughter,hitting,deprivation from food or water,carrying heavy weight,misuse and abuse(e.g use as target to hit/shoot at),branding , docking of dogs tails,maternal deprivation,  the cruel seal hunting,exposure to cold/rain/hot weather…etc-Keeping every kind of animal alive/protection of the species, is recommended in Islam, as done in Noah’s Ark before!(Preservationof the species).-A person can go to Heaven/Paradise even for just providing food/drink to aneedy animal!  A person can go to Hell just because of cruelty or food deprivation to an animal  ! (as stated by the prophet Muhammad,peace be upon him).-There is a reward in offering food or water to  any animal,as the prophet said!–The prophet MUHAMMAD(peace be upon him)/the teacher: here is some STORIES in brief from his life:
* was angry one day when he discovered a mother  bird distressed and agitated because someone had taken her babies and he said: “who has distressed this mother by taking her babies! give  her back her babies..!”
*Was angry when a cat was locked inside the house and died from starvation?
 He said the owner is in hell!
*defended a weak camel who was suffering and in tears and complaining … he told the owner:fear Allah with this animal..do not make him hungry or suffer..!
*Cursed who use the animal as a target to shoot at.
*prohibited the hitting of the animal especially on the face!
*prohibited to provoke fight between animals,as in cock fighting.
*opposed the use the animal for different function,like riding the cow…
*opposed the harsh cruel pulling of a sheep from the ears..
* treated a sick dog…
*opened the door for a cat,who was scratching it, while he was in prayer..
*opposed the burning of a colony of aunts..(burning any animal or man are forbidden)
*changed the direction of the army one day to a different road ,when he saw on his way a dog in labour/ giving birth , and tried to avoid disturbing her…!
* gave many Sayings/Ahadith ,ordering us to treat each animal gently,with utmost care and welfare…as the way to Heaven..!
We should not forget also  that the prophet Muhammad himself was a shepherd and he looked  very well  after the sheeps..with best care and welfare(organic natural farming);
etc……etc…..
-The Khalifah (president) Omar Bin Khattab, used to say: ” I will be worried if I will be punished on the Day of Judgment when the animals complain to GOD that they could not walk properly on the roads during their  livesbecause Khalifah Omar did not fix/smooth the road for them!”-In early Islam:A charitable trust (WAQF) was established in order to look afteranimals,especially  those  homeless, injured or disabled animals…!-Abu Hourayrah one of the most famous companions of the prophetMuhammad(peace be upon him)  and narrators of Hadith/prophet’s sayings,used to look after kitten/hourayrah..this is why he was called Abu Hourayrah(the father of kittens).-Treating a sick animal is a duty on every muslim and is highly rewarded!
– Killing  an animal for food,  should be done quickly, painlessly andwithout any suffering ( as it happens in Religious slaughter, withoutthe use of  any stunning )/please see separate scientific religious articles on stunning.
It is an order by the prophet Muhammad,when someone is killing an animal(domestic/wild),to do it  PAINLESSLY  and without  causing any pain or torture to the animal before final death..
-pork/porcine substance and carniverous animals are prohibited to eat.
-Cats  can be kept inside the house as a domestic pet,but not dogs…as they are NAJIS/unclean,cause some diseases,bites and injuries and deaths,noise/complaints/court cases and many  other marietal/family  problems.
However a person can go to Heaven for providing water to a thirsty deprived dog…according to the prophet Muhammad(peace be upon him)….
( ALL THESE ARE THE BELIEFS OF 1400 MILLION MUSLIMS IN THE WORLD!)
Now there is a great need to establish  here in the UK/west :  Islamic organisations for animal  care and welfare   and  Islamic animal rights organisations  which are based on the rich sources of the  Holy  Islamic Scriptures:Because: many Muslims/and most non Muslims, do not know or are not aware of the fascinating Rights and the welfare of the animals in Islam …and because animals today are suffering  a lot of CRUELTY and ABUSE  in our society!
British muslims(about two million), should join also the many animal welfare organisations who are campaigning sincerely for the welfare and care of the animals,and should join in  many of their campaigns and activities like:
The Royal Society for the Protection of Animals(RSPCA)
Farm Animal Welfare Council
Compassion in world farming
International fund for Animal welfare
etc………
DR A.MAJID KATME (MBBCh,DPM)Muslim Spokesman on  Halal meat/Religious slaughter(DHABH)
Muslim Campaigner for animal care and welfareSpokesman:Islamic Medical Association/UKTel: 0208 345 6220     M: 07944 240 622Address: 31 North Circular Road  Palmers Green  London N13 5EG  UK
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EATING PORK SUBSTANCES FROM MANY SOURCES???

Published 27/02/2023 / by admin

WAKE UP MUSLIMS…WE/OUR CHILDREN  ALL ARE EATING PORK SUBSTANCES FROM MANY SOURCES???

IMAMS,MUSLIM DOCTORS,MUSLIM LEADERS/ORGANISATIONS….HAVE ALL FAILED US
TO INFORM US ABOUT THE PRESENCE OF PORK SUBSTANCES IN ALL WHAT WE EAT AND CONSUME???

TIME HAS COME TO ESTABLISH A NEW NATIONAL MUSLIM BODY FOR REAL HALAL MEAT/FOOD/DRINK AND MEDICINE???
To save our Muslims from the wide epidemic consumption of substances from PORK/PIG/SWINE???
IS THERE ANY ONE LISTENING? I doubt it….???

Dr Katme   T: 07944 240 622

 

 

Bullets, bread and beer, tambourines and toothpaste… and the 180 other things you can to do with a PIG

By Marcus Dunk
Last updated at 7:54 AM on 03rd October 2009 The Daily Mail

When we tuck into a bacon sandwich, few of us wonder what has happened to the other parts of the pig whose life has been sacrificed so we can enjoy a juicy breakfast.

But one inquisitive writer set out to trace where all the body parts of one porker ended up.

Christein Meindertsma, 29, said: ‘Like most people, I had little idea of what happens to a pig after it leaves the abattoir so I decided to try to find out. I approached a pig farmer friend who agreed let me follow one of his animals.’

Identified by its yellow ear tag number, 05049, her pig trail ended with her identifying an incredible 185 different uses to which it was put  –  from the manufacture of sweets and shampoo, to bread, body lotion, beer and bullets.

Christein said: ‘I was shocked when I began to find out just how unusual and varied the different uses for a ordinary pig were. It’s almost as if these days, a pig is no longer thought of an animal  –  more like an industrial raw material with a mind-blowing amount of different uses.’

She found that 4.9lbs of her 16st 3lb pig went to making wine gums, while 4.8lbs went into liquorice. In this process, collagen is taken from the pig and is then converted into gelatine. This finds its way into numerous foodstuffs, where it acts as a gelling agent.

More…

Although not all sweets in the UK contain pork gelatine, many do  –  including Marks & Spencer’s hugely popular and aptly-named Percy Pigs sweets.

It is not only sweets that contain pork gelatine. In some beers, wines and fruit juices, pig gelatine is used to remove the cloudiness from the drink. It works as a clarifying agent by reacting with the tannins in the liquid and absorbing the cloudiness.

Some ice creams, whipped creams, yoghurts and certain butters also contain gelatine, as do certain pet foods. More surprisingly, a number of medicines also contain pig gelatine  –  everything from painkillers to multivitamins.

Hygiene and beauty products are also made of pig. Fatty acids extracted from the bone fat of pigs are used in shampoos and conditioners to give them their shiny, pearl-like appearance. These acids can also be found in a number of body lotions, foundations and anti-wrinkle creams. Glycerine made from pork fat is also an ingredient in many types of toothpaste.

Christein, from Holland, found that while some companies were reluctant to cooperate in her quest, others claimed that they didn’t even realise their products contained elements taken from a pig because of the middle men involved in the complex distribution process.

The confusion is not helped by the fact that it is not clear on products’ ingredient labels where they originally came from.

According to the Food Standards Authority, there is no legal obligation for manufacturers to specify whether the gelatine they use is from a pig or another animal. When it is specified, it is often confusingly referred to as Suilline gelatine.

According to Richard Lutwyche  –  a British pig farmer with more than 60 years experience, chair of the Traditional Breeds Meat Marketing Company and a member of the British Pig Association  –  the reasons for much of this confusion is due to the industrial-scale of much pig farming.

‘In the UK, big commercial farms send their pigs to large abattoirs. The abattoir will find different markets for all the by-products,’ he says. ‘Everything they can’t sell they have to incinerate, so it’s in their best interest to sell as much as they can.

‘There’s an old expression that says: when it comes to pig, you can use everything but the squeal. Over the past 100 years those uses have expanded rapidly.’

Some of the surprising products that can include pig material include photographic film, which uses collagen from pig bones; shoes that use bone glue from pigs to improve the quality of the leather; and certain paints that use bone fat to enhance their glossy properties.

Some makers of cigarettes use haemoglobin from pig’s blood in their filters. Apparently this element works as a sort of ‘artificial lung’ in the cigarette so, they claim, ‘harmful reactions take place before the chemicals reach the user’.

And the next time you buy a loaf of bread you would be well advised to read the packaging. Some manufacturers use an ingredient called L-cysteine, which is a protein made from pig or other animal hair and which is used to soften the dough.

A product like Tesco’s Plain Tortilla Wraps includes this ingredient. The strangest use for a pig by-product that Christein found was in bullets and explosives. Pig bone gelatine was used to help transport the gunpowder or cordite into the bullet. It is difficult not to be impressed by the sheer versatility of this animal and its parts.

Virtually nothing in a pig goes to waste. The snout from Pig 05049 became a deep-fried dog snack, while pig ears are sometimes used for chemical weapon testing due to their similarity to human tissue.

Tattoo artists even buy sections of pig skin to practise their craft on due to its similarity to human skin, while it is occasionally used with burns patients for the same reason.

Pigs make an enormous contribution to medicine, with insulin, the blood-thinning drug heparin and pig heart valves all vital.

However, for vegetarians, Jews keeping kosher, Muslims and anybody else wishing to avoid pig products, this may not be such good news.

The complex workings of the global food and processing industry have ensured that it is almost impossible to avoid pig altogether.

 

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