How is halal meat slaughtered?

To ensure meat is halaal, a Muslim must perform the slaughter on a live, healthy animal, face Mecca, invoke the name of Allah and cut the animal's throat with a sharp knife, thus severing the carotid artery, jugular vein and windpipe in a single swipe. This method is called Dhabihah.

Halaal means permissible or allowed in Islam.

Dhabihah complies with the conditions stated in the Quran and Hadiths. Animals must be slaughtered individually and in seclusion. Spinal cords must be left in tact and heads must not be decapitated. The blood must be drained from the animal prior to consumption.