Tuesday, June 18, 2019

Very Strict Criteria Apply To Halal Certified Meals

By Frank Allen


Millions of Muslims all over the world live their day to day lives according to the rules stipulated in the Islamic Law. The rules pertaining to the food that Muslims may eat are particularly detailed and strict. This is because food is much more than mere sustenance to Muslims. They believe that the food that they consume also affects their spiritual well being and their moral character. It is for this reasons that Muslims will only enjoy Halal certified meals.

Anyone who wishes to sell Halaal products must apply to the Halaal council for certification. The council by no means rubber stamp applications easily. They conduct a thorough inspection of the processes and facilities utilized by the applicant and they make sure that every rule is followed meticulously. Certification is granted for one year only, after which an application must be made for renewal.

Food that is not considered Halaal is called Haram. Muslims may not consume blood or any of the products manufactured with blood. They may not eat pork in any form. They are even forbidden to eat meat from an animal that has not been slaughtered according to the rules or that has died from unknown causes. Most Muslim sects also strictly forbid the use of alcohol.

It is not just the types of food that Muslims may eat that are regulated. The entire manufacturing, packaging and preparation processes are also strictly controlled. Halaal food may never come into contact with other types of food. If it does, it must be thrown away. It is even necessary to use separate dedicated cookware and cooking utensils when preparing Halaal food. These must even be cleaned separately and stored away from other kitchen utensils.

Anyone may apply for Halaal certification, not just Muslims. As long as all the rules are obeyed certification is open to everybody. Applicants may even prepare Haram food as well but they have to make very sure that there is no contamination. Halaal councils encourage applicants to employ at least two Muslims to supervise the process but this is not a strict requirement.

There are numerous people that are not Muslims that nevertheless prefer Halaal food. They appreciate the fact that Halaal food contains only top quality ingredients and that extremely high standards of cleanliness is maintained at all times. This is unfortunately not always the case with other types of food. Those preferring Halaal food say that it is not only healthier but that it also tastes much better.

The market for Halaal food is massive and it is therefore not surprising to learn that numerous manufacturers, restaurants and food outlets try to pass off their products as Halaaal when it is not the case. Consumers should always look out for the official Halaal logo on the packaging. They can also access the websites of the Halaal council to check whether a specific restaurant or supplier is indeed certified.

Many people still think that the preparation of Halaal food is accompanies by religious rituals. This is certainly not the case. Halaal food is nothing more than food that has been prepared according to very strict rules. It is healthy and tasty.




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