Journal of Nutrition & Food Sciences
Open Access
ISSN: 2155-9600
ISSN: 2155-9600
Khaldoun Shatnawi
AsureQuality Limited, New Zealand
Posters & Accepted Abstracts: J Nutr Food Sci
New Zealand is the largest exporter of lamb and beef in the world and accounting for around 47% of the world��?s trade in lamb. The New Zealand meat sector has always been a principal driver of the New Zealand economy system, generating approximately $7.5 billion annually in export earnings. The halal meat grade is playing an increasing role in meat production in New Zealand. New Zealand has been exporting halal meat since 1970s for the most part with little government involvement. For the last five years, there has been government oversight of halal processing through the halal notice administered by ministry of primary industry (MPI). This oversight provides overseas regulators and customers with additional assurances about the integrity of New Zealand��?s halal processing systems. During the year MPI undertook consultation on proposed changes to the halal notice to ensure that it remains fit for purpose. In addition, the meat industry association supported of a collaborative and consultative approach to resolving halal-related issues and would particularly like to see the notice provide a robust mechanism to provide all those involved in halal processing with independent, timely advice when questions on specific halal requirements are raised. Now a days, New Zealand exports halal certified meat to around 75 countries. Back in the 1970s, halal slaughter men had to be Muslim, but they did not need qualifications. After all, the practice of halal slaughter has been largely the same and enshrined in sharia (Islamic law) for hundreds of years. But today, halal slaughter men in New Zealand must be trained to New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) standards, and the companies that export halal meat. The market of halal products is widely distributed throughout the world. New Zealand will, in the future, promote and market its livestock products on the basis of quality and position itself at the top of halal export countries. The industry will think more in terms of quality and fit for purpose and halalness of products is a major part of it.
Email: kh.shatnawi@yahoo.com