From Farm to Table: The Halal Story of Australian Beef and Lamb

From Farm to Table: The Halal Story of Australian Beef and Lamb | "Halal" is an Arabic word - meaning lawful and permitted. It refers to not only adherence to a set of conditions on how the animal is slaughtered and meat processed but also to how the animal is treated alive. According to Islamic law, the animal must not be mistreated nor has any pain inflicted on it during its lifetime. The animal must also be provided with enough space to roam, clean water, food and fresh air. 

The Halal concept is not foreign to us in Malaysia and the surrounding neighboring countries. 

But, do you know that Australia is an impeccable source of halal meat and meat products and has been a long trusted supplier of Halal Beef and Lamb to over 100 countries, including the Middle East and Malaysia included? 

Remember the conditions stated by Islamic law that I've mentioned above? All these conditions are met for Halal beef and lamb production in Australia. The animals graze on lush green pastures and are well cared for. It is a natural way of life for livestock in Australia and animal welfare is regulated by laws enforced by government. These have a positive impact on the consistently high quality of Australian Halal beef and lamb.

A recent study by Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) has revealed that animals raised and processed in a stress-free environment produce better quality meat that are consistent, hygienic, safe and nutritious. These are the beneficial attributes that are permissible for consumption. Australian Halal beef and lamb are versatile and suitable for Asian and western cuisine, turning out delicious and nutritious dishes each time.  

All cattle, sheep and goats processed in Australia for the Malaysia market are slaughtered under the Australian Government Supervised Halal Program by accredited Muslims. This program is administered by the Federal Department of Agriculture in Australia.  

Additionally, all processing facilities in Australia employ only registered and trained Muslim slaughtermen from the Halal Certifying Bodies. They also comply with personal hygiene, operational sanitation and animal welfare requirements. These Halal Certifying Bodies are recognised and approved by JAKIM (Department of Islamic Development of Malaysia). The Halal systems and production facilities are regularly audited by internal quality and food safety assurance systems, (Australian and importing country representatives from DVS (Department of Veterinary Services of Malaysia) and JAKIM.

A Growing Halal Meat Demand by Malaysians

With a population of 16 million Muslims, Malaysia has a growing demand for halal meat and meat products. The meat is certified halal prior to its import into Malaysia. These authorised representatives will confirm the manufacturing process adheres to Halal standards. There are currently 7 Muslim certifying bodies in Australia for Halal certification export to Malaysia. Meat exporters will also need to meet other requirements under Australian regulations prior to export. Every shipment carries a Halal and Health Certificate.

Malaysia stands to benefit from both local demand and strong export opportunities by leveraging increasing purchasing power among consumers in other Muslim markets. These include the Middle East and neighbouring Indonesia, the world’s largest Muslim country with a population of more than 200 million.

The Increasing Halal Economy

There are increasing opportunities in Malaysia’s Halal economy. As a member of the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC), Malaysia’s Halal certification is globally recognised by all Muslim nations, making it a perfect launch market for exporters. 

Meat and Livestock Australia recently took part in MIHAS (Malaysia International Halal Showcase), the world’s largest Halal exhibition. It’s a hybrid event from 9 to 12 September, combining virtual and physical exhibition, with halal industry players from around the world. The virtual exhibition will continue till 31 December 2021. Nearly 30,000 visitors, 28 trade envoys and 2,000 delegates representing the entire Halal supply chain attended MIHAS and the Global Halal Summit in 2019. 

According to Ms Valeska “Australian Halal beef and lamb work well with Asian and western cuisine, turning out delicious and nutritious dishes each time. With such quality, fresh and tender meat, it takes less time to cook, whether it’s a beef rendang or a spicy lamb stew”. 

“Your Trusted Halal Australian Beef and Lamb, from Farm to Plate” Webinar

MLA organised the webinar and showcased amazing speakers who talked about the policy involved, until the dishes, hence the From Farm to Plate in the title. We heard the following speakers shared their experiences with passion and the participants asked tough questions too, and all speakers were excellent in enlightening the participants with regard to the Halal industry in Australia. 

1. Mr Sanjay Boothalingam, Australian Agriculture Counsellor, Australian High Commission 
2. Mr Terry Nolan, Representative from the Australian Meat Industry Council (AMIC) 
3. Ms Valeska Valeska, Regional Manager for Southeast Asia, Meat & Livestock Australia 
4. Chef Jason, A Sabahan chef born and bred who demonstrated 2 beef recipes -- a Peranakan dish with beef, belimbing buluh and beancurd sauce and his version of the Sabah Beef Soto with Vermicelli. 

As I have tried cooking with Aussie Beef before, I was super excited about the recipes and the cooking demonstration by Chef Jason. Now that I am super pumped about cooking again, I wonder what will I cook with Aussie Beef next?

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