What is "halal"?

Halal refers to dietary guidelines adhered to by Muslims in accordance with Islamic law. This encompasses not only what foods are permissible to eat but also how those foods are prepared and obtained. Halal meat, for example, must come from animals slaughtered in a specific manner, with the name of Allah invoked at the time of slaughter. In halal slaughter, the animal's throat must be cut above the esophagus, just below the trachea, to ensure a swift and humane death that minimizes the animal's suffering. This cut severs the major blood vessels in the neck while leaving the spinal cord intact, facilitating the rapid loss of blood from the body. Additionally, halal foods exclude certain items such as pork and alcohol.