Spiritual aspects of meat and nutritional security: Perspectives and responsibilities of the Abrahamic faiths

For devotees of Judaism, Christianity and Islam, food that does not meet the standards of ‘spiritual quality’ in its production or preparation may be unsuitable for consumption. Regardless of its availability and affordability, this food may as well be absent from the marketplace. Thus a religious perspective should be included in the discourse on global food security. This article reviews the laws and customs of the Abrahamic faiths that relate to the production, distribution and eating of food, with emphasis on the central role of ‘meat security’ in ancient and modern societies. Permissions and prohibitions stipulated in the Torah, Bible and Quran are described, along with interpretations and research from current literature. On-going food security for kosher and halal consumers is at risk in some countries if legislation and regulations restrict traditional practices such as religious slaughter of meat animals.