Whilst I am aware that there are claims that the halal method is more humane than pre-stunning, I am not convinced, and neither it seems are animal welfare groups.

Jack Campin's comparison of a large commercial abattoir and a single animal being slaughtered in a Turkish village is hardly comparing like with like. To supply meat in the quantities suggested by these latest stories means commercial-scale slaughterhouses using halal methods. Regardless of the method of slaughter, the better abattoirs try to minimise stress to the animal, no only on welfare grounds but because it affects the quality of the product.

The law specifies a particular method of slaughter. I am prepared to accept, with some reluctance, a relaxation on religious grounds. However this practice seems to draw a coach and horses through the legislation, to the extent that I wonder whether it is in fact legal to use halal or kosher methods when the meat is not intended specifically for those markets. It is surely contrary to the spirit of the law, if not the letter.

Let's face it, these organisations are serving halal meat to everyone because it is cheaper for them to do this rather than make separate provision for Muslim customers. They've kept quiet about it because they knew it would be unacceptable to many of their other customers if they knew.

It does raise the question, if Muslims and Jews want special treatment to meet their religious requirements, should they be prepared to pay extra for halal or kosher meat?