November 6, 2006

Muslim groups in Manila to set up slaughterhouse, meat market

An organization of Muslim communities in Manila said they will put up a special slaughterhouse and meat market to rid their daily meals of "unclean meat."

The Manila Muslim Peace and Development Council (MMPDC) said there is a growing concern in their communities about the supposed "impurity of meat" being sold in local markets, which prompted the group to build its own meat market.

MMPDC official Datu Amerol Gulam-Ambiong said they are considering a 1,000-square metre lot in Tondo as a possible site for the slaughterhouse and another lot in Quinta, Quiapo for the market.

Ambiong explained Muslims are only allowed to eat food classified as halal or those prepared in accordance with Islamic guidelines and deemed suitable for consumption by Muslims. So far, only chicken, cows, carabaos and goats are allowed for consumption under Islamic laws, and these should be prepared in a special slaughterhouse.