The Strict Rules Applicable To Halal Certified Meals

By Brian King


The daily lives of Muslims are strictly regulated by the many laws and rules contained in the Islamic Law. Every aspect of life is affected. There are also very strict rules regarding the packaging, manufacturing and preparations of food. For Muslims, these rules are important because to them, food is not just fuel for the body. It also has a profound effect on the morals and spirit of the individual. This is the main reason why Muslims make sure that they only consume Halal certified meals.

Halaal certification is granted by a local Halaal Council. Such councils exist wherever sizable groups of Muslims live and work. Certification is not easily granted and the application process is protracted. The council needs to be sure that the applicant is following every rule in the manufacturing, preparation and packaging of food. Even then certification is granted only on a year to year basis.

There are certain types of food not allowed at all. Pork, in any form, is one of them. Alcohol is completely taboo, even if it is an ingredient in medication. Even derivatives and extracts used in cooking must be sourced from approved Muslim abattoirs where there are always Muslim inspectors present. The entire slaughtering process is strictly controlled throughout and extremely high standards of hygiene are maintained

Apart from using approved ingredients, even the process whereby food is manufactured, packaged and prepared is subjected to many rules. There may never be cross contamination between Halaal and other food. Contaminated food must be discarded immediately. Separate utensils, containers and tools must be used in the preparation of Halaal food. These must be cleaned and stored separately too, using separate facilities such as wash basis or dish washing machines.

Surprisingly, applicants for Halaal certification do not have to be Muslims, nor do they have to employ Muslims. As long as they are able and equipped to adhere to the strict rules contained in the Islamic Law, they can qualify for certification. They are not restricted to the preparation or manufacturing of Halaal food only, but they must have measure in place to make sure that no cross contamination occurs.

It is interesting to note that it is not only Muslims that prefer or insist upon Halaal food. There are numerous people from other religions and beliefs that also prefer this food. In many cases this is because they know that this food has been manufactured, prepared and packaged under very strict conditions of hygiene. They also know that Halaal food uses only the very best ingredients.

There are millions of people that prefer or insist upon Halaal food. It is a very profitable market and it is to be expected that there will be those that try to convince consumers that their food is Halaal while it is not. There are official websites where consumers can check whether specific restaurants or food outlets have been granted certification. The packaging of other food must also display the logo of the Halaal Council.

Halaal food is certainly subjected to much stricter rules than ordinary food. It is no wonder that so many non Muslims also prefer this food. For Muslims, the rules governing their food and their lives are not restrictive. It helps them to live balanced and healthy lives.




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