Journal of Halal Research

Journal of Halal Research

The health risk of consuming prohibited glands and organs according to Islamic slaughtering principles.

Document Type : Review articles

Authors
1 Department of Nutrition Sciences, School of Public Health, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
2 Research Center for Health of Food, Drug, and Natural Products, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
3 Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Amol University of Special Modern Technologies, Amol, Iran
10.30502/h.2026.535746.1142
Abstract
In the noble religion of Islam, nothing is prohibited unless its prohibition is explicitly stated in the verses of the Qur’an or in authentic hadiths from the Prophet’s (PBUH) tradition. Islamic law grants people the freedom to eat and drink whatever they desire, provided it is not forbidden. The consumption of fifteen parts from halal animals (such as cattle, sheep, goats, birds, etc.) is considered haram, one of which is the glands (known as "doshool"). Studies have shown that lymph nodes or glands are common sites for accumulation of a pathogenic parasite called Linguatula serrata. Humans may contract linguatuliasis by consuming infected lymphatic glands. In some countries, the consumption of intestinal lymph nodes of animals—especially sheep and goats—is common and represents one of the primary pathways for human infection by this parasite. The prevalence of Linguatula serrata in livestock in the Middle East, including Iran, is notably high. Therefore, it can be concluded that the religious prohibition of lymph node tissue in Islam probably helps reduce the risk of human linguatoliasis in Muslim countries such as Iran. Therefore, it seems that avoiding the consumption of forbidden animal parts can sometimes be effective to some extent in preventing the spread of some parasitic infections.
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Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 19 February 2026