Devout Muslims lead strictly controlled lives. Islamic Law regulates just about every facet of the daily life of a Muslim. This is particularly true of the food that Muslims may consume. Muslims see foodstuffs as much more important than mere nourishment. The foodstuff that one eats or drink also have a very important influence on the spiritual and moral character of the individual. It is for this reason that Muslims will not purchase any product that is not Halal certified food.
Halaal certification is a very strictly controlled and regulated process. Applications are made to the local Halaal Council, which can be found in most countries with big Muslim populations. The application process can take months and during this time the Halaal Council make sure that the applicant is adhering to each and every rule applicable for the manufacturing and preparation of halaal products and meals. Certification is valid for one year only.
There are some types of foodstuffs that are utterly forbidden, even when used as a minor ingredient in the preparation of meals or products. No alcohol may be used, not even when it is an ingredient of medication. Pork products in all its forms are forbidden. Even the derivatives and extracts used by Muslims may only be obtained from an abattoir that is operated strictly according to halaal standards.
The ingredients used in the preparation or manufacturing of foods are not the only factors under consideration before certification is approved. The process by which the food is manufactured or prepared also comes under scrutiny. It is not allowed to use utensils and other tools that have been used in the preparation of other types of food. The containers, cutlery and utensils used in the preparation of halaal meals must even be cleaned in separate facilities.
One would think that halaal certification will require that everything is prepared only by Muslims. This is not the case. Anyone can apply for certification and the applicant can be either an individual or a business. The Halaal Council does strongly recommend, however, that at least two Muslims are present at all times during the manufacturing, packaging or preparation of halaal products and meals.
It is interesting to note that halaal products are also extremely popular with numerous people that are not Muslims. They buy halaal foodstuffs because they know that the entire process by which it was manufactured or produced has been monitored strictly and that the highest standards of hygiene have been maintained. One the very best quality ingredients are used. This definitely cannot be said of other, non halaal products.
The market for halaal products and meals is lucrative. It is only to be expected, therefore, that some unscrupulous businesses try to attract Muslim customers even though their products are not officially approved by the Halaal Council. They sidestep this problem by describing their products as halaal friendly or other terms that may create the impression that the business in question has certification. Real halaal products always display the official halaal logo.
Some people think that the Islamic Law regulation regarding halaal food is restrictive. Muslims do not see it that way. For them, the laws are there to protect them and to help them be better Muslims.
Halaal certification is a very strictly controlled and regulated process. Applications are made to the local Halaal Council, which can be found in most countries with big Muslim populations. The application process can take months and during this time the Halaal Council make sure that the applicant is adhering to each and every rule applicable for the manufacturing and preparation of halaal products and meals. Certification is valid for one year only.
There are some types of foodstuffs that are utterly forbidden, even when used as a minor ingredient in the preparation of meals or products. No alcohol may be used, not even when it is an ingredient of medication. Pork products in all its forms are forbidden. Even the derivatives and extracts used by Muslims may only be obtained from an abattoir that is operated strictly according to halaal standards.
The ingredients used in the preparation or manufacturing of foods are not the only factors under consideration before certification is approved. The process by which the food is manufactured or prepared also comes under scrutiny. It is not allowed to use utensils and other tools that have been used in the preparation of other types of food. The containers, cutlery and utensils used in the preparation of halaal meals must even be cleaned in separate facilities.
One would think that halaal certification will require that everything is prepared only by Muslims. This is not the case. Anyone can apply for certification and the applicant can be either an individual or a business. The Halaal Council does strongly recommend, however, that at least two Muslims are present at all times during the manufacturing, packaging or preparation of halaal products and meals.
It is interesting to note that halaal products are also extremely popular with numerous people that are not Muslims. They buy halaal foodstuffs because they know that the entire process by which it was manufactured or produced has been monitored strictly and that the highest standards of hygiene have been maintained. One the very best quality ingredients are used. This definitely cannot be said of other, non halaal products.
The market for halaal products and meals is lucrative. It is only to be expected, therefore, that some unscrupulous businesses try to attract Muslim customers even though their products are not officially approved by the Halaal Council. They sidestep this problem by describing their products as halaal friendly or other terms that may create the impression that the business in question has certification. Real halaal products always display the official halaal logo.
Some people think that the Islamic Law regulation regarding halaal food is restrictive. Muslims do not see it that way. For them, the laws are there to protect them and to help them be better Muslims.
About the Author:
Get an overview of important factors to keep in mind when choosing a food supplier and more information about a Halal certified food supplier at http://www.halalcertified.com now.
No comments:
Post a Comment