Local supply of halal turkey stable, says vet dept

 

It was reported that the shortage of halal turkeys was frustrating hoteliers and restaurateurs, and that the lack of local supply had forced eateries to import the birds. (Facebook pic)

PETALING JAYA: 

The veterinary services department (DVS) has denied there is a shortage of halal turkeys, saying the country also imports the meat to cater to the increased demand, especially during the Christmas season.

In a statement, DVS said the local supply of halal turkeys was 

stable

.

Last year alone, 50,050kg of turkey meat was produced from 10,010 birds by local breeders nationwide.

The meat is also imported to ensure constant supply in the market,

 the department said, adding that an abattoir in Turkey had been awarded 

halal

 certification until 2027 to supply the meat.

DVS said two other countries, Russia and the US, were potential nations from which to import turkey meat, but that this was pending a risk assessment by the department.

Last week, The Star reported that the shortage of halal turkeys was frustrating hoteliers and restaurateurs, adding that the lack of local supply had forced eateries to import the birds.

The matter had been compounded by stringent halal checks, with Jakim recognising only 49 foreign halal certification bodies worldwide, the report said.

It stated that imported food could not carry the halal stamp unless certified as halal by foreign halal certification bodies recognised by Jakim. - FMT