INSECT FOOD AND RELIGIONS

We have to consider the relationship between insect food and religions in order to use insect food in our daily lives. We are going to explain whether insect food can be accepted by hindus, muslems or christians.

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CHRISTIANITY
They have few religious precepts on food, so people in Western developed countries, where many christians live, have few religious difficulties eating insect food.

ISLAM
Muslems are prohibited from eating pork and other meat which are not processed properly. If we suppose insect food as meat, we have to say “Allahu akbar” and cut the insect’s major artery and pull out all its blood.
It is difficult to process tiny insects in this way, so we have to find another way based on the understanding of Islamic rules. For example, to let muslems process insects without cutting the insect’s major artery. By the way, grasshoppers are said to be regarded as halal※1.

HINDUISM
Hindus have very strict rules about eating. Killing animals is generally prohibited and they don’t usually eat beef. Some hindus do not eat any meat and fish.
Perhaps it is difficult to have hindus accept insect eating especially when their faith is very strong.


参考:国土交通省「 多様な食文化・食習慣を有する外国人客への対応マニュアル
※1.出典:日本フードバリアフリー協会 「ハラールQ&A」P.26
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