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Different Standards: Zabiha Halal refers specifically to the method of slaughter in Islam, where the animal must be slaughtered by a Muslim who pronounces the name of Allah at the time of slaughter. This is a religious requirement and goes beyond the scope of USDA certification, which primarily focuses on health and safety standards.
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Limited Scope of USDA Certification: USDA certification primarily ensures that the meat meets certain hygiene, handling, and processing standards, which are not necessarily aligned with religious requirements such as Zabiha Halal. While some products may be USDA certified, they might not meet the specific religious requirements for Halal consumption.
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Additional Requirements: Zabiha Halal certification often requires adherence to specific Islamic dietary laws beyond just the slaughter process, including the absence of certain ingredients (like alcohol or pork products) and the monitoring of the entire food production process to ensure compliance with Islamic principles. USDA certification does not cover these additional requirements.
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Cost and Demand: Obtaining both USDA certification and Zabiha Halal certification can be costly for producers. Since the market for Zabiha Halal products is smaller compared to general USDA certified products, some producers may prioritize one certification over the other based on market demand and cost considerations.
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Certification Bodies: Different organizations and certifying bodies handle Zabiha Halal certification compared to USDA certification. The processes, criteria, and fees associated with each can vary significantly, influencing which certifications a producer pursues.
In summary, while USDA certification ensures certain quality and safety standards for meat products, Zabiha Halal certification involves specific religious criteria that go beyond what USDA certification covers. This difference in focus, along with practical and cost considerations, contributes to the relative rarity of USDA Certified Halal products in the Zabiha Halal market.