Frequently Asked Questions

• What is Halal?

  Halal simply means permitted or lawful. Halal foods means any foods that are allowed to be eaten according to Islamic Sharia law. This means that for any food to be considered Halal, it must comply with the religious ritual and observance of Sharia law.

• How does Choice Meats comply with Halal Requirements?

  At Choice Meats, we fully understand the strict religious requirements of Halal slaughter. All our cattle, sheep and goats are slaughtered by well-trained Muslim slaughter men who adhere to the principles of Halal Slaughter in accordance with the Sharia laws.

  All ingredients used in processing are also sourced from Halal certified companies.

• Who ensures that all Halal requirements are met?

  Choice Meats is regularly audited by Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM) and Kenya Bureau of Halal Certifications (KBHC), well known Halal certification bodies. We are then issued with Halal compliance certificates.

• Where are our livestock sourced?

  All livestock slaughtered at Choice Meats are sourced from the rich livestock catchment areas and ranches from Kenya and the region. WE directly support producers to have easier access to the market for their animals.

• What are pasture fed or Grass fed animals?

  These are animals that have been raised on grazing pastures as opposed to grains. Additionally, grass-fed cows must be raised for a much longer time to reach full weight than those that are fed a diet of grain, growth hormones and antibiotics to speed growth. Eating certified organic and/or grass-fed products also reduces exposure to traces of sub-therapeutic antibiotics and artificial hormones given to conventionally raised animals.

  Animals sourced by Choice Meats are pasture fed and therefore superior in quality!

• Why is handling of animals before slaughter important?

  Meat quality is affected by the stress levels of an animal before slaughter. It is therefore important that animals are given adequate time to rest on arrival due to transportation stress. At Choice Meats, all livestock on arrival are put in comfortable pens and provided with adequate water for drinking. The animals are allowed to rest overnight before slaughter.

• Are Sausages Halal?

  Yes. Sausages that are produced from meat that is Halal, using ingredients from Halal certified companies are Halal. All sausages and other value added products from Choice Meats are Halal.

• How can I ensure the meat I buy is safe?

  Meat must be slaughtered and handled in a hygienically environment to be considered safe. It must also be inspected by a qualified meat inspector and passed for human consumption. Meat that has been passed as safe will bear a mark of inspection.

• What is the difference between red meat and white meat?

  Red meat is any meat that comes from a mammal. That means meat from cows (beef and veal), sheep (lamb and mutton), and goats all count as red meat.

  White meats come from fish and poultry.

• What is ISO 22,000:2005 Certification?

  This is an internationally recognized Food Safety Management System that allows a company to demonstrate its ability to control all food safety hazards, thereby guaranteeing safety of its products to the customers. Choice Meats has been certified for ISO 22,000:2005 and is continually audited for compliance.

• What is an Export slaughterhouse?

  This is a slaughter facility that meets international standards and has been classified as an Export Slaughter house by a Competent Authority. Choice Meats is among the few export slaughterhouses in Kenya and the region and is licensed by the Director of Veterinary Services.

• Where can Choice Meats products be found?

  Choice meats products are found in all major outlets around the country. We also export the whole range of products. Please get in touch with us, if you cannot find our products in a supermarket near you.