Introduction
Halal is an Arabic word that can be translated to English as lawful, allowed as per Islamic laws or Shariah laws. In as much as food items and consumer products are concerned, halal certification provides an assurance that the foods and other products have been processed and dealt with in accordance to Islamic law. The population of the Muslim consumers is growing across the globe and the market awareness of the halal products is also growing hence the consumers are demanding for organic halal products. This paper is a user’s guide to halal certification and what to expect when buying halal consumer products .
What Makes a Product Halal?
For a product to be certified halal, it must comply with Islamic law and meet certain requirements during production and processing:
- No blood – Blood or blood by-products from any animals are also prohibited; Blood sausage is prohibited because it contains pork.
- Forbidden – alcohol and other intoxicant The use of alcohol and any other substance that has intoxicate properties is prohibited. In this there are wine, beer, rum, etc.
- Preshrinking methods – All meat and poultry must be properly shrink wrapped using the following procedures; The meat from animals shall be slaughtered in accordance to the zabiha manner that requires reciting the name of Allah before the slaughter and a deep quick cut through the throat.
- No blood or blood by-products – There should be no blood or part of the blood content in meats and poultry. Blood again is not to be consumed.
- Halal or permissible food ingredients – The permitted food ingredients, colours, seasonings etc., must also fall in compliance with the provisions of Islamic law. This is in exception to haram items such as using gelatin from pork meat.
However, it is mandatory that Halal products should not only be prepared, processed, transported, stored and served but it should also be done using clean tools, equipment and utensils that are free from any material which is prohibited in Islamic law.
Who gives Halal Certification?
Organizations that offer halal certifications are useful to the muslim society as they conduct thorough inspections and audits on manufacturers to ensure they satisfy halal compliance issues. These nonprofit Islamic institutions also continue to ensure that there is oversight of the producers and manufacturers which have received certification.
Every halal certifier works in accordance with principles outlined in the Quran and Sunnah and may thus have a little different approach to requirements for certification. Some of the major international halal certifying bodies include:
- Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America
- Islamic Services of America (ISA)
- Halal Transactions of Omaha (Halal food restaurant, supermarket, butcher)
- On the roof level, they include:
- Halal Monitoring Authority (HMA)
Companies seek this accreditation on their own through one of the two mentioned organizations. When the certifier deems it fit that the products or facilities of the manufacturer complies with the standards, then the latter can use their halal logo.
Understanding the Reasons to Go with Halal Certified Products
- Halal Compliant – Cautioned Muslims have to deal with substandard foods that do not meet the Islamic dietary laws and feast on compliant foods that respect the religion’s austere tenets.
- Sound ingredients – the additional precaution measures result into halal products probably meeting better sanitation and cleanliness standards.
- Ethical & Humane Conduct: Zabiha slaughter guidelines followed herein emit strict, ethical and humane conducts towards all livestock, poultry and other animals.
- No Questionable Additives – Consumers that stick to strictly vegetarian or are restricted to take alcoholic beverages, pork or any by-products of animals will definitely appreciate the Halal products.
Where Can You Purchase Halal Products?
Halal products are moving progressively from halal food stores to conventional superstores, food service outlets, hotels, airlines, hospitals, pharmacies, cosmetics counters, and beyond as consumers’ demand grows more each day. Most leading food manufacturers may have halal branded products whereas some well known restaurant outlets could incorporate halal foods on their menu list. Sitting in others types of facilities can also automatically have halal meals such as airport, universities, hospitals, corporate cafeterias among others.
Consumers can counter typically find a logo of either one of the above approved halal certifying bodies, printed on food & beverage products. Almost all the large supermarkets also see it fit to label their halal stocks. Other examples of helpful applications include HalalTrip or Zabihah which assist in identifying the halal restaurants and products when on the move or ordering foods outside. Last, natural food stores which provide definite dietary requirements or Muslim businesses usually offer halal foods.
What Should One Look At Before Buying Halal commodities?
- Halal Symbol – Check that a recognized Islamic services organization provides an official halal certification logo is provided.
- Ingredient Label – There shouldn’t be any questionable, haram ingredients such as pork, alcohol or animal products.
- Manufacturer Data – It is quite easy to find out the address and contact number of the manufacturing company.
- Packaging Integrity: Packaging should be in good condition without signs of either tampering or physical damage.
It means that once knowing what the halal certification process implies and what to expect, the Muslim consumers can make choice towards the preferable halal products for religious beliefs. Regardless of food purchasing, methods of transportation or restaurants, the increase in Halal options ensures that compliance with these Islamic food rules is easy and accessible.
