An additional concern involved with goat meat processing that must be addressed when discussing ethnic demand is Halal slaughter and processing.  In order for meat products to be considered Halal (meaning acceptable for people of the Muslim faith).  Halal slaughter requires (El-Mouelhy 1999):

	The factory must be under close and constant supervision of a Halal certifier.
	The premises, machinery and equipment must be cleansed according to Islamic law before any production takes place.
	The slaughterman must be a mature Muslim of sound mind who understands the fundamentals and conditions relating to Halal slaughter and be approved by religious authorities.
	The slaughter must be done manually using a stainless steel knife.
	Facilities must be available for ensuring the knife after each kill.
	The respiratory tract, esophagus, and jugular vein must be severed.
	The animal must be completely dead before removing the hide.

While most of the requirements for Halal slaughter would not require significant changes, two requirements would require processor attention.  First, since pork in not considered Halal, facilities that process pork would be excluded or would require special arrangements before slaughtering or processing goat intended for Muslim consumption.  Second, a Muslim must be retained to perform the Halal slaughter.  Initial discussions with individuals interested in securing Halal processed goat meat suggest that individuals from the Islamic community would be willing to take positions within domestic meat processing firms fulfilling this requirement.

	Acknowledgements		Brokers
	Background		Domestic Processors
	Understanding the Industry		Retail Store Owners
	Product		Consumers
	Foreign and Non- Domestic Producers		Conclusions
	Domestic Producers		References
			Appendix 1, 2, 3, & 4
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Last updated March 10, 2003.