If the meat hasn't been tampered with and tastes the same, then I -- for the life of me -- can't see why it matters what mumbo-jumbo was spoken over it. It just does not affect me and it does not affect you. Why are you giving it supernatural powers?
Now, don't get me wrong, I think Islam is a vicious religion, but this hubbub over halal food seems a bit overwrought. It only means that the food you and I always eat also meets the requirements of Muslims.
As far as the Whole Foods campaign, I'm hard put to decide whether I'd rather go into one of their stores and run into Muslims or old hippies. I'm leaning former.
“If the meat hasn’t been tampered with and tastes the same, then I — for the life of me — can’t see why it matters what mumbo-jumbo was spoken over it.”
It means you are asceding to the laws of Islam. Totally up to you.