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Shoppers threaten to boycott Asda Barking over halal meat
Shoppers at the new Barking Asda on its opening day - Credit: Archant
Customers at Barking’s newest supermarket have blasted the shop for only offering halal meat on its rotisserie stand.
Staff at the opening of the new Asda store - Credit: Archant
A Facebook page has been set up calling for a boycott of the Asda store which opened in London Road last week.
Eileen Glover, who launched the page, cares for her 87-year-old mum and takes her shopping at Asda every Tuesday, usually buying her a cooked chicken to last her three days.
“There was no non-halal chickens, or ribs, bacon joints or cumberland sausages,” the 63-year-old, of Felton Road, said.
“This was all offered freshly cooked in the previous store.
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“We do not have a problem with the store supplying halal meat, we understand there is a demand, but to not offer non-halal meat takes away our choice as consumers.”
Halal food must adhere to Islamic law, as defined in the Koran, which involves slaughtering animals through a cut to the jugular vein, carotid artery and windpipe.
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Animals must be alive and healthy when slaughtered and all blood is drained from the carcass.
“We do not eat halal meat as we do not agree with the way the meat is slaughtered,” added Eileen.
“This country has made huge progress in the cruelty of animals and providing meat humanly killed and we feel this type of slaughtering is barbaric.
“We are extremely upset that the new Asda has not taken all their long-standing customers’ consumers choice into account.”
Abu Kawser, 36, secretary of the Becontree Islamic Society agrees that shoppers should be given a choice.
“I would like to see Asda cater for everyone” he said. “Many local butchers have been taken out of business by supermarkets over the years, who can offer meat cheaper.
“Lots of halal butchers opened because that meat wasn’t always that accessible in supermarkets,”
An Asda spokesperson said: “Our rotisserie in the Barking store is extremely popular with the local community and we try and meet every customer’s needs.
“We will continue to review the products we sell following customer feedback.”
What are your thoughts? Email mark.shales@archant.co.uk or call 020 8477 3824.
