In collaboration with the Muslim Coalition for the University of Michigan, Michigan Dining serves a variety of menu items that are Halal certified and follow Halal practices in all dining halls. Dining staff follows extensive food handling and procurement practices to provide students with as many options as possible. In retail locations, Michigan Dining offers Halal options as well as partners with local vendors that offer Halal options.

To quickly identify Halal options, look for this emblem  on our online, digital, and dining hall menus. Halal certification is displayed in all dining halls and available to view upon request. Additionally, the certificates can be viewed digitally here.

Halal Q&A

• Can I see your Halal certification?
  Yes! Guests can find Halal certifications posted in all of our operations and can ask any MDining team member if they are unable to locate them. Additionally, the certificates can be found digitally here. We carry products from many Halal certifiers but will always have the certificate ready to share.
• What is considered the ‘industry standard’ in Halal?
  The majority of Halal poultry in the US is machine slaughtered while beef is hand slaughtered. We understand that there is ikhtilaaf (a difference of opinion amongst the jurists) about machine slaughtering. We want students to feel confident in the food offered under the Halal label and believe transparency is a part of that confidence. MDining Halal products follows the majority opinion of the Assembly of Muslim Jurists of America – that slaughter by machine is permissible when all other Halal standards are met.To be slaughtered Halal, the Islamic form of killing animals, a cut must sever the windpipe, carotid artery, and jugular vein. Animals must be alive and healthy at the time of the killing. The Halal method of slaughter requires that you must drain all the blood from the carcass. A trained practicing Muslim will recite a very short blessing during the process, known as tasmiya. The process must be as painless as possible and be conducted with adherence to good animal welfare practices.
• Is there a difference between Zabiha and Halal?
  Per the American Halal Institute, the terms Halal and zabiha are often interchangeable. The distinction is that zabiha is used for Halal slaughtered meat, while Halal is used for anything permissible under Islamic law.
• How can I tell if something is Halal at MDining facilities?
  To quickly identify Halal options, look for this icon on our online, digital, and dining hall menus. MDining provides beef, lamb, and chicken that are certified Halal in our residential dining halls and through our catering services.
• How do I learn more about MDining?
  We’re dedicated to fostering an inclusive and enriching space at our table that nourishes the campus community’s well-being, promotes a sense of belonging, and encourages personal growth through global cuisine and education. Students who are interested in contributing to this mission should consider joining the MDining Student Food Advisory Committee.
• I have more questions, how do I reach out?
  Feel free to reach out via email, [email protected], or visit this webpage for a full list of MDining contact information.