Thursday, February 21, 2019

Many Non Muslims Also Prefer Halal Certified Meals

By Kenneth McDonald


There are numerous laws that govern the everyday lives of all Muslims. The Islamic Law is a comprehensive set of rules that cover every aspect of the spiritual and practical conduct expected from every devotee. Numerous regulations pertain specifically to the food and drink that Muslims consume. Food is much more than physical nourishment to Muslims. What they eat has an influence upon their spiritual well being and their moral character as well. That is why they will eat only Halal certified meals.

In order to get Halaal certification, it is necessary to follow very strict rules during the manufacturing, packaging and preparation of food. Such certification can be obtained from a Halaal Council. There are such councils wherever large numbers of Muslims live or work. Certification is not easily granted and has to be renewed every year. Certification can be withdrawn if even a single rule is broken anywhere along the process.

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 that are used in the preparation of food that are taken into account for certification purposes. The entire production process and the way in which the food is prepared are also deemed very important. There may be no cross contamination of Halaal food and any other food during manufacturing, packaging or preparation processes. During preparation, separate cooking implements must be used.

Anyone can apply for Halaal certification, not just Muslims. It is adherence to the strict regulations that is of concern to the certification council. Applicants may also produce or supply non Halaal food but they must prove that there is no contact between Halaal and non Halaal food during manufacturing, packaging and preparation processes. Most applicants will strengthen their applications by employing at least two Muslim supervisors.

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.

It is precisely because the market for Halaal food is so lucrative that dishonest operators regularly try to fool consumers into thinking that their products are certified. Consumers have to look out for the official logo of the Halaal Council on the packaging. If they are uncertain, they can also use a variety of official websites to check on the certification status of outlets, manufacturers and suppliers.

Muslims in general do not think that all the rules and regulations related to their food are limiting them. They see Islamic Law as a sensible guideline that helps them to live healthy and balanced lives. Strict adherence to these guidelines is seen as a virtue, not a burden.




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