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Saturday 23 February 2019

Many Non Muslims Also Prefer Halal Certified Meals

By Kenneth McDonald


Muslims live their lives according to the Islamic Law. This law contains regulations about just about everything that affects the day to day lives of Muslims. There are particularly clear and stringent rules regarding the food that they may eat. Food is important to Muslims because it not only nourishes the body but also influences the spirit and the moral character. Muslims view there food as so important that they will never consume anything that is not Halal certified meals.

Halaal certification is not easily granted. Applications must be made the local Halaal Council. There is such a council wherever large numbers of Muslims reside. The council will then evaluate the applicant to determine whether each and every rule of the Islamic Law is followed during the packaging and preparation of the food. Even when certification is approved, the applicant must still renew his certification once a year.

As is the case with those from the Jewish faith, Muslims have to completely abstain from certain types of food. They may never consume any alcohol, even if it is a vital ingredient of medicines. They also have to forego any pork products in any form. Extracts used in the manufacturing and preparation of food must be sourced through registered Muslim abattoirs where inspectors make sure that the strictest possible standards are maintained.

It is not just the ingredients used in their food that are subjected to rules and regulations. The preparation and manufacturing processes are also subjected to strict rules. Halaal food must be prepared by using dedicated kitchen implements and there may be no contact with non Halaal ingredients at all. Food that has been contaminated in any way cannot be sold as Halaal compliant.

It is not necessary to be a Muslim in order to apply for Halaal certification. Anyone that strictly follows the rules may apply. Applicants are also not required to manufacture, package or prepare Halaal products exclusively, but care has to be taken that there is no cross contamination. Halaal councils recommend that applicants have at least two Muslims to supervise the processes, but this is not a stringent requirement for certification.

Certification is certainly very important to manufacturers and food suppliers that want to access the massive Muslim market. But it is not only Muslims that prefer this food. Many people that are not Muslims also prefer Halaal food. This is because the like the fact that such high standards are maintained in the production and preparation of the food. They also find this food to be tastier and healthier.

When there is money to make there will be charlatans that try to fool consumers into thinking that their food is Halaal certified while it is not true. They use Muslim symbols and misleading wording on their packaging to create the impression that their food is indeed certified. Consumers can use the internet to make sure whether specific products and outlets are certified or not.

Muslims do not consider the Islamic law as a burden. They rather view it is a practical set of rules to help them live healthier and happier. Devout Muslims are disciplined and will rather refuse food if there is the slightest doubt about whether it is Halaal or not.




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