Rabbinical Commission for the Licensing of Shochetim

The Rabbinical Commission for the Licensing of Shochetim was established under the Slaughter Houses Act 1974. Schedule one provides for the shechita (slaughter) of poultry and animals by a shochet (slaughterer) licensed by the Commission. Orthodox Jews eat meat and poultry provided the animals and birds are slaughtered and their meat butchered according to the laws of Shechita. Slaughter may only be carried out by an approved slaughterman. He must be of recognised high moral character, consistant religious observance and have had thorough training. The Commission alone has power to train shochetim.

The Chief Rabbi is the permanent chairman of the Commission. The Spanish and Portuguese Congregation in London appoints a vice-chairman. Other members are appointed by the London Beth Din, the Federation of Synagogues and the Union of Orthodox Hebrew Congregations. The President of the Board of Deputies appoints 2 members to represent Jews from outside London.