Consumo de alimentos halal: um estudo com consumidores muçulmanos residentes na fronteira entre Sant’Ana do Livramento-BR e Rivera-UY

Abstract

The Islamic religion, like any other religion, guides its followers on the conduct that should be followed. Regarding food, Muslims must consume foods considered Halal, which means “lawful”, which consumption is permitted by God. This study aimed to analyze how the consumption behavior of Halal food and/or animal products is characterized by Muslim consumers residing on the border between Sant’Ana do Livramento-BR and Rivera-UY. For this, the narrative research method was used, based on a qualitative approach of an exploratory nature. Data was collected through interviews with 19 Muslim consumers. In addition to preparing a field diary, recording the daily life of the researcher who adopts Halal consumption behavior. The data was analyzed using thematic analysis. Among the main results is the strong influence that the Muslim religion has on the food choices of its followers, mainly in the matter of not consuming pork and alcoholic beverages, along with the influence of the sense of community in this consumption. In relation to the main challenges in consuming Halal food, the following are mentioned: not finding the desired Halal food; the high price of Halal red meat; pay maximum attention to food and pharmaceutical product labels; look for the stamps or SIF number; depend on the acceptance of restaurant owners to bring their own meat to the establishment; risk of contamination of Halal food. Likewise, two types of consumers were identified: those whose level of religiosity is more present and demonstrated that they are more rigorous and cautious in relation to their diet, and those who, in the absence of meat slaughtered within Halal precepts, end up consuming non-Halal meat.