Muslim Parents in Spain Protest Poor Quality of Halal School Meals

The menu in the school canteens for Muslim students is lacking. Parents complain and denounce the poor quality of the food offered to the children: fish with a plastic smell, chicken without any halal label, rotten fruit pieces, and even pork pieces in stuffed eggs, the association says in the statement.

Access to Halal food is a right recognized by Spanish legislation and enshrined in the cooperation agreement between the State and the Islamic Commission of Spain (Law 26/1992), the statement adds, noting that according to Article 14 of this agreement, "the food of Muslim students in public and private concerted educational centers who request it, will be adapted to Islamic religious precepts..."

In reality, the association, which speaks on behalf of the parents, acknowledges that away from the media, many school canteens in Spain already offer a Halal menu option every day to their Muslim students.

To make themselves heard, the student parents, through the association, have addressed their request to local and regional officials. They hope their cause will be heard, because without political goodwill and an inclusive approach, no solution is possible, they said, calling on all parties (political leaders, educational institutions and student parents) to show responsibility.