Failure to Indicate Use of Pig Leather in Sneakers
Pigs Considered Taboo in Islam... Not Permitted in Shoes or Clothing
German global sportswear company Adidas was fined by the Turkish government for not indicating that pig leather was used in their sneakers.
On the 13th (local time), AFP reported that the Turkish government imposed a fine of $15,000 (approximately 21 million KRW) on Adidas. The reason was that Adidas did not specify the use of pig leather in the sneaker model ‘Samba OG’ and only labeled it as ‘genuine leather.’
In Turkey, if materials that conflict with the religious sensitivities of the majority of society are used in products, this must be clearly indicated in advertisements and product descriptions.
About 99% of Turkey’s population are Muslims who follow Islam. In Islamic society, only foods produced according to halal methods prescribed by religious law can be consumed. Among meats, only those slaughtered in the name of Allah according to Islamic methods (such as goat, chicken, and beef) are permitted.
In Islamic culture, pigs are considered unclean and impure animals and are taboo. The use of pig leather or pig hair to make shoes or clothing is not allowed.
Earlier in 2020, the Turkish Directorate of Religious Affairs (an administrative department responsible for religious matters) emphasized that “most Islamic scholars believe that pig leather cannot be religiously purified even after leather processing or similar procedures.”
The taboo against pigs in Islam has customary, economic, and religious reasons. The status of pigs as a representative forbidden food in Islam dates back to before the emergence of Islam in the 7th century. From ancient times, cultures such as Phoenician, Egyptian, and Babylonian have passed down a culture of pig aversion. It is known that pigs, being omnivores, competed with humans for food and water, which is the reason behind this.
Meanwhile, AFP reported that Adidas modified the online product description without mentioning the fine.
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