Tuesday, February 27, 2018

The Rationale Behind Halal Certified Food

By Sarah Hamilton


Islamic Law is a dominant and extremely important set of rules that directly influence the daily lives of Muslims all over the world. These laws cover all aspects of life and it is very particular about the foodstuffs that Muslims consume. This is because Muslims view it as much more than mere nutrition. What one eats also has an important impact upon the spirituality and morals of the individual. This is why Muslims go to great lengths to buy, prepare and eat on Halal certified food.

Halaal certification is not easily granted. It is a lengthy process during which the Halaal Council judge whether the applicant strictly adheres to all the rules applicable to halaal foodstuffs. Halaal Councils can be found in every country where sizeable numbers of Muslims reside. Once certification is granted it has to be renewed every year. Certification can also be withdrawn if the rules are broken.

There are some types of foodstuffs that are utterly forbidden, even when used as a minor ingredient in the preparation of meals or products. No alcohol may be used, not even when it is an ingredient of medication. Pork products in all its forms are forbidden. Even the derivatives and extracts used by Muslims may only be obtained from an abattoir that is operated strictly according to halaal standards.

The ingredients used in the preparation or manufacturing of foods are not the only factors under consideration before certification is approved. The process by which the food is manufactured or prepared also comes under scrutiny. It is not allowed to use utensils and other tools that have been used in the preparation of other types of food. The containers, cutlery and utensils used in the preparation of halaal meals must even be cleaned in separate facilities.

Halaal certification does not require that products and meals are prepared or produced by Muslims. Any business or individual can apply for certification. The applicant is not required to restrict his products to halaal foodstuffs exclusively but cross contamination is not allowed. The Halaal Council strongly recommend that a minimum of two Muslims are part of the process, but this is not a very strict requirement.

There are numerous non Muslim people that prefer halaal food too. They are attracted by the fact that the manufacturing or preparation of these products are so strictly controlled in terms of the ingredients used and the standards of hygiene that must be maintained. They therefore view halaal foodstuffs as superior to most others. Many people also think that halaal foodstuffs are more flavourful and healthy.

It is a sad fact that there are many manufacturers and even restaurants that create the impression that they have obtained certification while they have in fact not been approved. They used terms such as halaal friendly or halaal compliant. Consumers should make sure that the products that they buy clearly display the official halaal approved logo. Advice can also be obtained from the official Halaal Council website.

For most devout Muslims Islam Law, and particularly those laws pertaining to what they eat, is not a burden. They rather see it as a virtue. A strict halaal diet is, in fact, an integral part of the Muslim religion.




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