Between Religion and Market: Is Animal Welfare Protection at the Time of Cracking a Necessary Requirement for Organic Production? The Recent Response of the Tjue.

Abstract

Do the rules of Union law allow the European labeling of 'organic farming' (AB) to be attributed to animal products which have been slaughtered without prior stunning? This question was raised in an action brought by the association Œuvre d'Assistance aux Bêtes d'Abattoirs (OABA) based in France and proposed a set of measures to prevent the marketing of certified beef ('Tendre France') as Halal ', which included the term' organic farming '(' AB '). According to OABA, meat from animals slaughtered without prior stunning did not meet the requirements of Union law for the award of that label. Given that derogation from prior stunning of ritual slaughterings is permitted, and with a view to such a derogation to pursue animal health objectives and respect for religious traditions, this study aims to examine whether the principle of consumer confidence and the protection of animal welfare justifies the intended prohibition.