Muslims Must Consume Only Halal Certified Food

By Sarah Gibson


Islam is an extremely comprehensive religion that has a definite impact on all the aspects of the daily lives of Muslims. Islamic Law is especially strict about the manufacture, preparation and consumption of foodstuffs. This is because foodstuffs play an important role in the lives of Muslims. What one eats not only nourishes the physical body, but also has an influence on the spiritual and moral character. That is why Muslims generally only buy or eat halal certified food.

The process whereby halaal certification is obtained is lengthy and complex. The applicant must provide proof that he follows every prescribed rule meticulously. Every country with a substantial Muslim community has some form of halaal council that evaluate halaal certification. Such certification can easily be withdrawn if the applicant breeches the rules. In addition, certification is automatically reviewed every year but not automatically renewed.

Certain types of foodstuffs automatically never qualify for certification. Anything that contains any for of alcohol is banned by Islamic Law. Any derivative or extract used in the manufacturing or preparation of any foodstuff that was sourced from any place except a halaal abattoir is also banned outright. This is because the monitoring of halaal animal derivative and extracts in an abattoir is time consuming and difficult. All forms of pork are banned.

The evaluation of certification applicants do not focus solely on the ingredients used in food. The processes used in the manufacturing of products and preparation of meals are also scrutinized. Halaal foodstuffs may never be cross contaminated with non halaal foodstuffs. The crockery, utensils and cooking equipment used must be used exclusively for halaal meals and products. These implements must even be washed and dried in separate facilities.

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.

Halaal certified products and meals are not just popular with Muslims. Many other people prefer these products and meals. Halaal meals are known for being prepared under very strictly monitored conditions and the highest standards of hygiene are observed at all times. There is also the fact that only the highest quality ingredients are used. In addition, many people firmly believe that halaal meals are more flavourful and tasty than meals from other cultures and sources.

Obtaining halaal certification requires a lot of effort and preparation. Not everyone want to go this route, but they still want to attract Muslim customers. They therefore use terms such as halaal friendly, causing some consumers to think that the products in question are officially sanctioned. Consumers must therefore make sure that the products they buy and eat are truly approved.

Muslims strive towards complete obedience to all the rules in the Islamic Law. For most Muslims, this does not constitute a sacrifice. They want to be good Muslims. That is why they do everything possible to make sure that they follow each and every rule pertaining to eating, the preparation of meals and the purchase of foodstuffs.




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