Is Wagyu Beef Halal?
Written in collaboration with HalalSG and Muslim.Sg
It's lunchtime and as you scroll through your social media feed, you might be greeted by tantalising images of sizzling, juicy and melty Wagyu beef. Numerous establishments are raving and promoting this delicacy, and you can't help but wonder what makes it so special and if it's different from the beef rendang you enjoyed at your grandma's.
Wagyu Wondering?
Originating from Japan, the name ‘wa’ translates to Japanese and ‘gyu’ means cow or cattle. Essentially, it means Japanese cow.1
Wagyu comes from a specific breed of cattle known for its genetic tendency to have exceptional marbling. Marbling refers to the fine white lines of fat within the meat. These thin, evenly distributed flecks of fat throughout the meat give it the 'melt in your mouth' feel.
Dispelling Myths on Wagyu Beef
Two myths about wagyu are that the cows are pampered with massages and fed with beer to enhance the quality of the meat.
While it's true they receive massages, it's really just to keep them happy and healthy, not to improve the meat quality.
As for beer, while a few cows might be given a sip to boost their appetite, this is not a standard practice and is certainly not the secret to their delicious meat. If the Wagyu beef is halal-certified, you can be assured that alcohol was not part of their diet!
Wagyu So Special?
The key differences lie in the genetics, breeding methods and feed. The cows are well-fed and raised for months longer than other commercial cows.
Wagyu is ranked by yield and quality.
The yield grade is divided into three grades, A to C, with the highest grade being A. The meat quality grade is divided into five grades, 1 to 5, with the highest grade being 5.2 Thus, you will see in supermarkets, butcheries, or restaurants, some cuts referred to as Japanese Wagyu A5.
So, Is Wagyu Halal?
Wagyu meat is halal as long as it’s slaughtered according to Islamic rules. Here’s the basic checklist:
- The animal must be halal to consume (like cows, sheep or goats).
- The animal must be healthy at the time of slaughter.
- The knife used for slaughter must be sharp.
- The jugular vein and carotid artery must be severed.
So, like other livestock meat, Wagyu beef can be halal. The way Wagyu cattle are raised, with special diets and all that, doesn’t make the meat haram as long as what they eat is halal and the slaughter process follows Islamic law regulations.
Honestly, the easiest way to be sure? Just look for that halal logo!
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So, if you're curious about what makes Wagyu so special, wa-gyu waiting for? It’s time to give it a try for your next meal or even cook up a Rendang Wagyu A5 for your grandma!
Read: What is Halal?
We asked Ustaz Khairul Anwar, Ustazah Shameem Sultanah and Ustaz Khidir your IG questions on halal food. Find your answers in this episode of Asatizah Answer Your IG Questions hosted by Ustaz Ridhwan:
References:
1 (n.d.). What is Wagyu beef. American Wagyu Association.
2 (2019, July 5). Wagyu knowledge 101: How much do you know about "Wagyu"? Japan National Tourism Organization.
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