Shari‘ah Ruling on Using Insect-Based Protein (Black Soldier Fly Larvae) in Broiler Chicken Feed
✍ Answered by: Shaykh ʿAbdul Wakeel Nāṣir ḥafiẓahullah
In modern poultry farming, Black Soldier Fly larvae are being processed and used as a protein source in the feed of broiler chickens.
Is there any Shar‘i objection to this practice?
There is no Shar‘i objection in this matter due to the following considerations:
✔ Animals are not held accountable in Islamic law regarding what they consume.
✔ If an animal naturally consumes something haram, it does not affect the permissibility of its meat or products.
For example:
➤ Domesticated animals or broiler chickens may naturally eat insects or impure substances,
➤ Yet their meat remains halal, even if they are not fed premium foods like almonds or pistachios.
The confusion among people stems from a misunderstanding of the principle. Since animals are not responsible for what they consume, the meat or byproducts derived from them remain halal, even if the feed includes ingredients that would be haram for humans.
☑ Using Black Soldier Fly larvae as a protein source in broiler chicken feed is Shari‘ah-compliant.
☑ There is no legal objection or prohibition in this matter.
☑ The meat of such chickens remains halal for consumption.
✍ Answered by: Shaykh ʿAbdul Wakeel Nāṣir ḥafiẓahullah
✦ Question:
In modern poultry farming, Black Soldier Fly larvae are being processed and used as a protein source in the feed of broiler chickens.
Is there any Shar‘i objection to this practice?
✦ Answer:
There is no Shar‘i objection in this matter due to the following considerations:
✦ Animals Are Not Morally Accountable for What They Eat
✔ Animals are not held accountable in Islamic law regarding what they consume.
✔ If an animal naturally consumes something haram, it does not affect the permissibility of its meat or products.
For example:
➤ Domesticated animals or broiler chickens may naturally eat insects or impure substances,
➤ Yet their meat remains halal, even if they are not fed premium foods like almonds or pistachios.
✦ Cause of Confusion
The confusion among people stems from a misunderstanding of the principle. Since animals are not responsible for what they consume, the meat or byproducts derived from them remain halal, even if the feed includes ingredients that would be haram for humans.
❖ Summary
☑ Using Black Soldier Fly larvae as a protein source in broiler chicken feed is Shari‘ah-compliant.
☑ There is no legal objection or prohibition in this matter.
☑ The meat of such chickens remains halal for consumption.
