An ammunition firm in the U.S. is coating its bullets with pork in order to "deter Islamic terrorists", The International Business Times reports.

Jihawg Ammunition, based in Idaho, said it used ballistic paint infused with pork to render the bullets "unclean for jihadists" and could "send them to hell".

On its website, the company says: "The only ammunition that provides a peaceful and natural deterrent to radical Islam. With Jihawg Ammo, you don't just kill an Islamist terrorist, you also send him to hell. That should give would-be martyrs something to think about before they launch an attack."

The bullets were a result of "patriots from Idaho County" sitting around a campfire and drinking, the website explained. The group was said to be disgusted that a mosque was being built at Ground Zero in New York and that a deterrent was needed to "the ever growing threat of radical Islam and Sharia Law".

"Jihawg Ammo is certified haram or unclean. According to the belief system of the radical Islamist becoming 'unclean' during jJihad will prevent their attaining entrance into heaven. Jihawg Ammo is a natural deterrent to radical and suicidal acts of violence."

The company also sells T-shirts and hats bearing the slogan "Put Some Ham in Mohammad".

Both Muslims and Jews are prohibited from eating pork although there are no laws regarding accidental contact with pork.

Jihawg said it had no intention of targeting Jewish people. "Our product is defensive in nature - only works when being attacked by someone in jihad - thus the name - Jihawg," the company said.

Ibrahim Hooper, of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, condemned the company and said it was looking to profit from Islamophobia.

He told the New York Post: "It's the same old nonsense. These people are trying to take advantage of Islamophobia to sell products and make a quick buck. These are the same type of people who buy into anti-Muslim conspiracy theories, the same people who think that sharia law is going to take over America. They are publicity-seeking idiots."

A number of online users have condemned the company on its Facebook page, with many pointing out that being touched by pork would not prevent a Muslim from entering heaven.