DUP Agriculture spokesperson, Carla Lockhart MP, has criticised the Education Authority for its lack of transparency, following confirmation that halal meat is being unknowingly served in Northern Ireland schools.
Following a Freedom of Information request, the MP said she was alarmed by the EA’s response, confirming that its catering service purchases both halal and non-halal chicken depending on market availability, and that a small number of halal-compliant red meat products are also supplied.
“This is morally and ethically wrong for a number of reasons,” explained the Ms Lockhart. Firstly, it is deeply worrying given the concerns many people have about halal slaughter, on both animal welfare and religious grounds. Secondly, I strongly believe that public bodies, such as the Education Authority, should be supporting local farmers and growers, serving NI produce, were possible, on school dinner menus.”
The Upper Bann MP said she is “utterly opposed” to the use of unspecified halal meat in school meals. “In halal slaughter a conscious animal’s throat is cut and the animal is bled. In contrast, UK regulations generally require animals to be stunned before slaughter, which is widely regarded as an important animal welfare safeguard,” she explained.
The MP added: “Many people also object to consuming meat prepared according to specific religious requirements. Halal slaughter traditionally involves a declaration known as the Shahada being said at the point of slaughter. For some Christians, and people of other faiths or none, consuming meat prepared in this way raises genuine concerns.”
Highlighting Northern Ireland’s diversity, Carla Lockhart MP noted that the 2021 census records around 10,000 people of Indian heritage living in Northern Ireland, including many Hindus and Sikhs. “While some do not eat meat at all, others do, and many will object to consuming halal meat,” she said.
“Parents therefore deserve to know exactly what food is being served to their children at school. Where meat prepared according to a specific religious method is being used, parents should be informed and given the opportunity to consent.”
The Education Authority’s correspondence also outlines procurement arrangements for meat used in school meals. All products supplied to the EA Catering Service fully complies with UK and EU legislation, ensuring adherence to high standards of food safety, animal welfare and quality.
Poultry is supplied by a local company that sources chicken from the UK, the Republic of Ireland and the wider European Union.
Approximately 80 percent of beef is sourced from the Republic of Ireland and around 20 percent from Northern Ireland; while pork supply is roughly split between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, with a smaller proportion coming from Spain.
Ms Lockhart added: “This admission raises wider concerns about procurement practices across the entire public sector, including within the health service.
“Northern Ireland has one of the strongest agri-food sectors anywhere in Europe. It is difficult to understand why our schools, hospitals and public sector bodies cannot prioritise locally produced and fully traceable food, particularly when Northern Ireland exports large quantities of high-quality produce every year,” she said.
Carla Lockhart MP confirmed she has written to the Department of Finance, which holds responsibility for public procurement policy, calling for a review.
“Procurement policy must be urgently reviewed so that local food, and produce originating from Great Britain, is prioritised across publicly funded catering. Government money should be supporting local farmers, local producers and local supply chains.
Better communication and clearer labelling is also essential, to ensure that parents have full transparency about the food being served to their children.
“Local Government can, and should, do better.”
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