Require halal and kosher certified products be prominently labelled as such

In response to a previous petition asking for prominent labelling of halal and kosher certified items the Government said "EU exit can bring opportunities for food labelling to improve transparency for consumers". Now the transition period is over it's time the Government acted on this.

All halal and kosher certified products should be prominently labelled as such. It is strictly forbidden for some Sikhs, Hindus, Buddhists and Christians to consume any halal or kosher certified product or religiously slaughtered meat. Without clear prominent labelling we could be consuming it without knowing. All we are asking for is clear labelling to make an informed choice.

The UK maintains high standards on the information that is provided to consumers on food labels and packaging. The fundamental principles of our food labelling rules are that information provided to the consumer must not mislead and must enable consumers to make informed decisions.

The Government is reviewing food labelling to ensure that consumers can have confidence in the food they buy, and to facilitate the trade of quality British food at home and abroad.

We have a longstanding position in this country of respecting the rights of Jews and Muslims to eat meat prepared in accordance with their beliefs. We are also aware that there is public concern about meat from animals slaughtered in accordance with religious rites, being sold to consumers who do not require their meat to be prepared in this way. Therefore, as part of our review of food labelling, we are planning a consultation, to be launched this year, on what can be done through labelling to promote high standards of animal welfare across the UK market.

When launched, this public consultation will be accessible on the GOV.UK website online. You are encouraged to submit your views on those proposals when it opens.

We expect industry, whether food producers or food outlets, to provide consumers with information on which to make an informed choice about their food. Any information provided on the method of slaughter must be accurate and not misleading to the consumer. Many operators already voluntarily label meat as halal or kosher.

Farm assurance schemes also apply standards of production that include slaughter requirements. For example, Red Tractor and RSPCA Assured Schemes require stunned slaughter.

We are reviewing food labelling to improve transparency and ensure that consumers can have confidence in the food they buy.

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs