Local Muslims who read a Register story about a District Attorney’s Office investigation that determined an Anaheim market was falsely selling meat as halal said they are outraged and considering legal action.
Last week, the Orange County D.A.'s office announced that it had obtained a $527,000 settlement against Anaheim Super King Market, at 10500 Magnolia Ave., after investigators determined that the market was incorrectly advertising and selling generic meat and mixed meats as halal.
Calling meat halal indicates that it was slaughtered in a specific way, in accordance with Islamic Law.
“I’m shocked by it. My whole family is very disappointed,” said Sam Chouche, 23, of Anaheim who shopped at the store. “It specifies in the Quran that you must eat meat in a certain way, that you shouldn’t eat meat killed inhumanely. It’s our faith.”
At least a dozen people called or emailed the Register to express outrage.
“We just cannot believe this,” said Shakeel Ahmed of Anaheim. “It’s very disgusting, and all (of my) family is very upset – so upset that we throw up and cry.”
Several people said they had meat from Anaheim Super King stored in their freezers that must be destroyed. The investigation began in early 2010.
Anaheim Super King Market didn’t admit fault. Market officials did not return phone calls on Monday seeking comment.
The market now must only purchase meat that is clearly labeled halal on the invoice and packaging and must ensure that halal meat is properly segregated.
The settlement money doesn’t go to individual victims, because it would be too difficult to determine who exactly was victimized, a D.A.'s spokeswoman has said. Instead, the money goes into a fund to help prosecute fraud cases.
Several Muslims said they should be entitled to compensation and are considering filing claims.