AKI: Iranian Shia religious authorities have issued a fatwa, or religious edict allowing crocodile meat to be eaten by humans.
Adnkronos International
Tehran, 18 Feb. (AKI) – Iranian Shia religious authorities have issued a fatwa, or religious edict allowing crocodile meat to be eaten by humans.
The meat of amphibian animals is deemed ‘haram’ or forbidden under Islam, while fish and seafood may be consumed.
Iranian regions have for some time been breeding crocodiles for their valuable skins, which are exported to Europe to make shoes, bags and belts etc.
The fatwa came after a request by Iranian crocodile breeders who did not know what to do with the crocodile meat.
The Short-Muzzle crocodile, known by local people as the Gando, or Persian Crocodile, grows up to five metres in length and is indigenous to Iran.
In some US states such as Florida, crocodile steak is considered a delicacy.
