Inghams is one of the most recognized chicken brands in New Zealand and Australia. For Muslim consumers, it’s crucial to know whether the chicken products they purchase are halal certified, ensuring that the food aligns with Islamic dietary laws. This blog dives into whether Inghams chicken meets the halal standards and what consumers should know about its certification status.
What Makes Chicken Halal?
For chicken to be considered halal, it must meet specific criteria:
- Slaughter Process: The bird must be slaughtered by a Muslim while invoking the name of Allah (God).
- Blood Drainage: The blood needs to be completely drained from the chicken during the slaughter process.
- Handling: The chicken must be processed in facilities that adhere to halal standards, ensuring that it has not come into contact with anything haram (forbidden).
Following these guidelines ensures that the chicken is halal and permissible for Muslim consumption. So, Does Inghams Chicken Match This Criteria?
The answer varies. While some of Inghams’ products are reported to meet halal criteria, others may not, especially if they are processed in facilities without halal standards or are not slaughtered according to Islamic laws. This leads us to the certification status of Inghams chicken.
Is Inghams Chicken Halal Certified?
According to research and the official Inghams website, there is no mention of any halal certification for Inghams products. The company only highlights their quality standards, such as certification from BRC, RSPCA, SPCA, FREPA, MPI, Export, and NATA. These certifications focus on ethical, safety, and quality standards but do not address halal dietary laws.
However, on Facebook, there is one page that revealed a memo of the Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand (FIANZ) dated August 2023, which says Inghams has resumed the production of halal chickens under their Inghams and Waitoa brands. The memo mentions that the following products are halal:
- Whole Fresh / Chilled Chickens
- Fresh / Chilled Parts of Chickens
Products such as further processed chickens, frozen chickens, and chicken nuggets are expected to be halal at a later date. Here’s an image from the memo that details the products considered halal:
This memo clarifies that certain Inghams products are halal, but consumers should be cautious, as the brand does not explicitly list halal certification on their website. Additionally, some social media posts mention that only a few of their products are halal-certified, which adds to the confusion.
Disclaimer: While this memo provides some clarity, it is essential to check with local halal authorities or directly with the company to verify if the product you’re purchasing is certified halal.
Halal Alternatives to Inghams Chicken
If you’re uncertain about Inghams’ halal status, here are some well-known halal-certified chicken brands to consider:
- Lilydale – Known for its range of free-range halal chickens.
- Steggles – Offers a variety of halal-certified poultry products.
- Tegel – A trusted halal-certified brand in New Zealand.
Make sure to always check for halal certification labels and consult local halal certification authorities to confirm the products’ status.
Is Halal Food Kosher? Understanding the Differences and Overlaps
Conclusion
While the memo from FIANZ indicates that certain Inghams chicken products are now halal, the company’s official website lacks clear confirmation regarding their halal certification. Muslim consumers should verify the status of the products they purchase by checking labels or contacting the company directly. Alternatively, opting for fully certified halal brands might provide greater peace of mind.