الأحد، 31 ديسمبر 2017

Muslims Must Consume Only Halal Certified Food

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.

Halaal certification, in essence, simply means that a manufacturer, retailer or restaurant has proven that they comply with all the rules stipulated by the Halaal Council. Such a council exists in almost every country where many Muslims reside. It is not easy to obtain certification and the application process can be protracted. Once it is obtained, it must be renewed every year. Certification can be withdrawn if the rules are breached.

Foodstuffs and products that contain certain ingredients, extracts or derivatives can never qualify for halaal certification. No Muslim may consume anything that contains any form of pork. Alcohol in any form is strictly forbidden, even if it is used as a minor ingredient. Derivatives and extracts have to be sourced at a strictly halaal abattoir because the processes in these abattoirs are very strictly monitored. No other source is allowed.

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.

Halaal certification does not require that only Muslims are involved in the manufacture of products or the preparation of meals. Nor is it necessary for an applicant to exclusively cater for the needs of Muslims. Any business or restaurant that complies with the criteria can apply. The full time presence of a minimum of two Muslims are, however, strongly recommended when meals are prepared or products manufactured and packaged.

It is not only Muslims that prefer halaal foodstuffs. Many people from other religions and people that do not adhere to any religious belief prefer halaal foods. This is because the preparation process is so carefully monitored. Halaal foods are always prepared in extremely hygienic situations and this fact provides peace of mind to many people that are hesitant about the origins of the foods that they buy and eat.

Obtaining halaal certification is a complex process and applicants must go to some lengths to comply with all the rules. Sadly, there are some manufacturers and restaurants that claim to be halaal friendly or halaal compliant, but that do not boast official certification. Consumers should make sure that a product is indeed officially approved. It is also easy to check the certification of a restaurant on the internet.

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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