Tuesday, February 19, 2019

Halal Certified Meals Comply With Very Strict Rules

By Kenneth McDonald


There are numerous laws that govern the everyday lives of all Muslims. The Islamic Law is a comprehensive set of rules that cover every aspect of the spiritual and practical conduct expected from every devotee. Numerous regulations pertain specifically to the food and drink that Muslims consume. Food is much more than physical nourishment to Muslims. What they eat has an influence upon their spiritual well being and their moral character as well. That is why they will eat only Halal certified meals.

Halaal certification is not easily granted. Applications must be made the local Halaal Council. There is such a council wherever large numbers of Muslims reside. The council will then evaluate the applicant to determine whether each and every rule of the Islamic Law is followed during the packaging and preparation of the food. Even when certification is approved, the applicant must still renew his certification once a year.

Certain foods are strictly forbidden and may not even be used as an insignificant ingredient when preparing food. No Muslim may ever consume alcohol in any form, not even if it is an ingredient in prescription medication. Pork in all forms is also strictly prohibited. Even the derivatives that are used by Muslims must be obtained from specially certified abattoirs where there is constant supervision over the entire process.

It is not just the ingredients used in their food that are subjected to rules and regulations. The preparation and manufacturing processes are also subjected to strict rules. Halaal food must be prepared by using dedicated kitchen implements and there may be no contact with non Halaal ingredients at all. Food that has been contaminated in any way cannot be sold as Halaal compliant.

It is not necessary to be a Muslim in order to apply for Halaal certification. Anyone that strictly follows the rules may apply. Applicants are also not required to manufacture, package or prepare Halaal products exclusively, but care has to be taken that there is no cross contamination. Halaal councils recommend that applicants have at least two Muslims to supervise the processes, but this is not a stringent requirement for certification.

Certification is certainly very important to manufacturers and food suppliers that want to access the massive Muslim market. But it is not only Muslims that prefer this food. Many people that are not Muslims also prefer Halaal food. This is because the like the fact that such high standards are maintained in the production and preparation of the food. They also find this food to be tastier and healthier.

When there is money to make there will be charlatans that try to fool consumers into thinking that their food is Halaal certified while it is not true. They use Muslim symbols and misleading wording on their packaging to create the impression that their food is indeed certified. Consumers can use the internet to make sure whether specific products and outlets are certified or not.

For the majority of Muslims, the rules governing their daily lives and the food that they eat are not a burden. They see compliance with the Islamic Law as a virtue. Their food is an important part of their culture and religion and the rules make sure that they eat healthier. It is no wonder that so many non Muslims also prefer Halaal food.




About the Author:



No comments: