Halal Certified Food Provides Muslims With Peace Of Mind

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.

Any retailer or wholesaler that wish to provide foodstuffs to Muslim communities in one form or another must obtain certification that their products adhere to the strict rules imposed by Islam. Applying for such certification can be a lengthy process and certification is easily withdrawn if the rules are not strictly kept. Every country with a significant number of practising Muslims has some form of Halaal Council.

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.

It is not only the ingredients and products that are used that play a role in obtaining halaal certification. The entire process whereby foodstuffs and meals are prepared is also carefully evaluated. Halaal certification involves the use of utensils and containers that have not been used for preparing non halaal products. It is even required to exclusively use separate cleaning and drying equipment.

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.

It is interesting to note that halaal certified products and foodstuffs are also extremely popular with millions of non Muslims. Many of these people buy halaal products and meals because they feel that the extremely strict conditions under which these products are manufactured ensure very high standards of hygiene. They also like the fact that these products always contain the very best quality ingredients. Many people also find halaal foodstuffs tastier and more flavourful.

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.

In general, Muslims lead very disciplined lives. They have many rules to follow but they do so gladly because they want to be obedient to the Islamic Law. Halaal certification is there to help them make sure that they obey all the rules related to what they consume.




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