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.

In order to get halaal certification, restaurants, manufacturers and suppliers must show that they are keeping to the strict rules set by the Halaal Council. There are Halaal Councils in every country where significant numbers of Muslims live. Getting this certification is not easy and approval normally takes many months. In addition, once granted, it has to be renewed on an annual basis.

There are certain foodstuffs that no Muslim may ever use or consume. Pork in any form is seen as an abomination and unclean. Alcohol is also strictly forbidden, even when it is used as a minor ingredient or as an ingredient of medication. Extracts and flavouring agents may only be used if it was produced in a halaal abattoir. The control over the processes in these abattoirs is extremely strict and time consuming.

It is not only the foodstuffs and ingredients that are scrutinized before certification is approved. The entire process through which the product or meal goes before it is offered to consumers is also evaluated. Halaal products may under no circumstance come into contact with other foodstuffs. It must be produced by using separate cookware, utensils and equipment that are never used for any other purpose. Even the cleaning and storing of this equipment must be done separately.

Halaal certification does not require that only Muslims are involved in the handling of the products or meals. Applicants do not have to be Muslims either. Anyone can apply, as long as they abide by the rules of the Halaal Council. This council nevertheless strongly recommend that at least two Muslims are present during all stages of the manufacturing, packaging or preparation processes.

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.

Most Muslims try very hard to live their lives strictly according to the Islamic Law, particularly when it comes to what they eat. They believe that these laws are there to protect them from harm and abuse. The laws are not imposed to punish or to control people.




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