The Role of Immigration and Colonization in the Acculturation of Halal Food in European Countries: An Evidence-Based Systematic Review

Abstract

Halal food consumption and the halal market economy in Europe have been steadily growing among both Muslim and non-Muslim populations. This growth has been propelled by the rising number of Muslim immigrants in European countries. The purpose of the present study was to systematically review and synthesize a multitude of existing scholarly findings extracted from peer-reviewed research and reliable web-based sources on the role of Muslim immigrants in the acculturation of halal food in European countries. An electronic database search in the available literature was conducted to identify and select data from cognate studies. The collected data were examined and analyzed employing a systematic review methodology. The combined findings of Muslim immigrants’ role and contributions to halal food acculturation in Europe are discussed. A systematic search of major electronic bibliographic databases, printed books, verified fact-based newspaper articles, and credible web-based sources was conducted. A cross section of a total of sixty-four data sources was included in this review. Findings suggest that the acculturation of the halal food process in European countries has been effective and facilitated by waves of Muslim immigrants, centuries of colonization of Muslim countries by many former European colonizers, adhering to religious requirements to consuming halal food, cultural and peer influences on halal food consumption, perceived control over consuming halal meat, developing a bicultural identity in the host country, as well as the increasing acceptance of the non-Muslim European consumer to consuming halal food as a healthier alternative to fast food and processed food products. There is a need for further research to better understand the economic and socio-cultural impact of the acculturation of halal food on the behavior of non-Muslim European consumers. This might serve as a paradigm for future research to better understand what influences halal food product consumption in non-Muslim European countries and globally.