Answered by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
What are some general principles related to halal meat? Can we trust others’ word on whether the meat is or isn’t halal?
Walaikum assalam wa rahmatullah,
(1) In general, the fuqaha mention that one can trust another’s word (Muslim or non-Muslim) that the meat has been properly slaughtered [Fatawa Hindiyya; Ibn Abidin, Radd al-Muhtar]
(2) However, when there is reason to be cautious, it is recommended to take the means to make sure that it is in fact halal;
(3) When there is reasonable fear that this particular meat is possibly haram–or when it is generally the case that meat labeled ‘halal’ is dubious–then it would be one’s duty to make sure. [ibid.; Mufti Rafi Usmani, from a personal istifta’]
See:
SunniPath Answers on halal meat
And Allah alone gives success.
Wassalam,
Faraz Rabbani