Monday, May 20, 2019

The Difference Between Halal Certified Meals And Other Food

By Nancy Hill


Muslims are expected to lead disciplined lives. Almost every aspect of daily life is prescribed by the rules contained in the Islamic Law. This comprehensive directive also contains numerous rules related to the manufacturing, packaging and preparation of the food that Muslims eat. Food is, in fact, important to those of the Muslim faith. It is not just fuel for the body but food also has an influence on the spiritual life and the moral character of each individual. Subsequently, Halal certified meals are important to all Muslims.

Special Halaal councils control all applications from manufacturers or food suppliers for official certification. The process is very strictly controlled and the council will go to great lengths to make sure that the applicant follows the rules related to Halaal food. If certification is granted after a lengthy evaluation process, it is valid for a single year only and applicants must apply for renewal every year.

While all the food that Muslims consume is subjected to strict controls, certain types of food are completely forbidden. Muslims may never consume alcohol in any form, not even if it is an ingredient in medication. Pork in all forms is also strictly prohibited. Extracts and derivatives used in cooking must be obtained from a Halaal controlled abattoir where every step of the process is strictly controlled.

The processes use to manufacture, package and prepare Halaal food is also strictly controlled. There may never be any contamination of Halaal food by other types of food. If this happens, the food must be discarded. During the preparation of Halaal food separate utensils and cookware must be used. These may not even be washed or stored with other cookware that was used for non Halaal food.

It is not necessary to be a Muslim in order to apply for Halaal certification. It is not even necessary to employ Muslims to prepare, manufacture or package the food although the Halaal Council recommend that at least two Muslims supervise the process. It is even allowed to process non Halaal food. The only criterion for certification is that all the rules are followed to the letter.

It is not surprising to learn that there are numerous people that are not Muslims that also prefer to eat Halaal food. They are attracted by the fact that this food is prepared under such strict conditions, that hygiene is of paramount importance and that only the best ingredients are used. They say that Halaal food is not only healthier but also much tastier than other types of food.

This is a lucrative market and it is therefore not surprising that there are many unscrupulous operators that try to fool consumers into believing that their products are Halaal. They use Muslim symbols on their packaging but consumers should look out for the official Halaal Council logo. There are also websites that list all suppliers, restaurants and outlets that are officially sanctioned to prepare and sell Halaal food.

One might think that Muslims resent the fact that their lives and the food that they eat are so strictly regulated, but this is not true. They believe that the Islamic Law is there to help them live better lives, to be healthier and to grow spiritually. For any devout Muslim, these are worthwhile objectives.




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