Sunday, December 17, 2017

Halal Certified Food Provides Muslims With Peace Of Mind

By Sarah Gibson


Islam is a comprehensive religion that provide guidelines to Muslims on just about every facet of their lives. Food is a very important part of the daily lives of all Muslims. It is believe that the food that one eats not only affects the physical condition of the person concerned, but also the spiritual and moral character. That is why Muslims follow so many rules regarding what they eat, when they eat and how the meal is prepared. The basic rule is that only Halal certified food may be consumed.

Any retailer or wholesaler that wish to provide foodstuffs to Muslim communities in one form or another must obtain certification that their products adhere to the strict rules imposed by Islam. Applying for such certification can be a lengthy process and certification is easily withdrawn if the rules are not strictly kept. Every country with a significant number of practising Muslims has some form of Halaal Council.

Foodstuffs and products that contain certain ingredients, extracts or derivatives can never qualify for halaal certification. No Muslim may consume anything that contains any form of pork. Alcohol in any form is strictly forbidden, even if it is used as a minor ingredient. Derivatives and extracts have to be sourced at a strictly halaal abattoir because the processes in these abattoirs are very strictly monitored. No other source is allowed.

It is not only the ingredients and products that are used that play a role in obtaining halaal certification. The entire process whereby foodstuffs and meals are prepared is also carefully evaluated. Halaal certification involves the use of utensils and containers that have not been used for preparing non halaal products. It is even required to exclusively use separate cleaning and drying equipment.

It is not true that only Muslims may be involved in the manufacturing or preparation of halaal foods. Neither is it true that halaal certification can only be attained by businesses that caters exclusively for Muslims. Any business can apply for certification and as long as the many conditions are met, certification will be issued. However, Islam authorities strongly recommend that at least two Muslims are involved in the preparation of foodstuffs.

It is interesting to note that halaal certified products and foodstuffs are also extremely popular with millions of non Muslims. Many of these people buy halaal products and meals because they feel that the extremely strict conditions under which these products are manufactured ensure very high standards of hygiene. They also like the fact that these products always contain the very best quality ingredients. Many people also find halaal foodstuffs tastier and more flavourful.

Halaal certification is not easy to obtain, but such certification can most certainly be worth it. Unfortunately, not everyone that claims that their products are halaal are truthful. Consumers must therefore make sure that such products are indeed properly certified before they buy or eat it. Most halaal products display the halaal certification logo prominently.

In general, Muslims lead very disciplined lives. They have many rules to follow but they do so gladly because they want to be obedient to the Islamic Law. Halaal certification is there to help them make sure that they obey all the rules related to what they consume.




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