Monday, November 24, 2014

Food That Are Placed In Halal Rations

By Ida Dorsey


When one refers to halal meals it means meat and poultry that has been slaughtered by a trained butcher according to the specifications of Islam. It also refers to any processed foods such as breads, yogurts and sweets that do not have ingredients that are considered forbidden. In the past companies did not have the knowledge and experience, but nowadays halal rations are of high quality and are packed with a variety of meals.

Already cooked meals have been prepared and can be used multiple times. These meals are distributed at shelters, refugee camps and to soldiers who serve in the army. They can also be purchased from camping shops for holiday goers. People of the Islamic faith also purchase these to eat on flights instead of the food served on board. The meal packs can be heated and eaten and they also stay fresh for up to a year, whereas some expire only within five years.

There are a number of stores that sell these packets as all inclusive meals that combine sweets, snacks, drinks and main meals in one. The most convenient main meals are pasta that is also served with vegetables, chicken and pasta sauces. Fruits and nuts, oats and fruit bars, chocolate bars, jelly sweets and mints make up snacks. There are fruit powdered drinks and hot chocolate powders too. In addition to all of these are teabags, sugar packets, coffee sachets and chewing gum.

The main meals are packaged separately in durable pouches that can be heated in boiled water or in microwaves. One can also cut them open and heat the contents over a stove of fire. Packages of high quality will also include disposable eating utensils like spoons and a pair of napkins. These higher quality packages weigh up to three pounds each.

The food parcels are prepared by keeping nutritional value of the meals in mind. They are also made with care and is generally cost effective. The amount of calories that should be consumed is taken into account. Items that are added balance out fat, sugar and fiber intakes. Main meals are not only pasta, but may include cooked rice, gravy, steaks and other beef slices, vegetables and gravy and Asian style noodles. High protein porridge are labeled as breakfast.

The recent humanitarian and emergency response factors have to be kept in mind by the suppliers of these halal friendly food portions. With this in mind they produce not only foods that can last for many months, but are also not prone to damage. These specific meals are clearly marked to assure those who receive them that what they are consuming meet their religious beliefs.

A number of producers have taken it to the next level and are now producing seven day rations in one pack. Not only has it eliminated waste, but has come in very handy during the humanitarian aid initiatives that the world has seen in the recent months. It was produced keeping in mind those stoves and kitchen utensils may not be available, therefore items had to be adapted.

There is estimation that seventy percent of the total need of these food rations is halal. These particular supplies are clearly marked with stamps of certification and ingredients are also listed. Whether it is customer who purchases them, soldiers who make use of them during service or people in need who receive the handouts, they are informed of its contents.




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