lundi 25 décembre 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.

The process whereby halaal certification is obtained is lengthy and complex. The applicant must provide proof that he follows every prescribed rule meticulously. Every country with a substantial Muslim community has some form of halaal council that evaluate halaal certification. Such certification can easily be withdrawn if the applicant breeches the rules. In addition, certification is automatically reviewed every year but not automatically renewed.

There are some foodstuffs that are forbidden outright if it contains certain ingredients. No Muslim may ever consume anything that contains alcohol. This ban includes medication. Extracts and derivatives used in the manufacturing or preparation of foodstuffs may only originate from a halaal certified abattoir. The monitoring of all the processes in these abattoirs is comprehensive and often complex. Pork in any form is also strictly forbidden.

The evaluation of certification applicants do not focus solely on the ingredients used in food. The processes used in the manufacturing of products and preparation of meals are also scrutinized. Halaal foodstuffs may never be cross contaminated with non halaal foodstuffs. The crockery, utensils and cooking equipment used must be used exclusively for halaal meals and products. These implements must even be washed and dried in separate facilities.

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 interesting to note that halaal certified products and foodstuffs are also extremely popular with millions of non Muslims. Many of these people buy halaal products and meals because they feel that the extremely strict conditions under which these products are manufactured ensure very high standards of hygiene. They also like the fact that these products always contain the very best quality ingredients. Many people also find halaal foodstuffs tastier and more flavourful.

Obtaining halaal certification requires a lot of effort and preparation. Not everyone want to go this route, but they still want to attract Muslim customers. They therefore use terms such as halaal friendly, causing some consumers to think that the products in question are officially sanctioned. Consumers must therefore make sure that the products they buy and eat are truly approved.

The Islamic Law is important to all Muslims. These laws all have very specific purposes and the rules related to foodstuffs are deemed important. The vast majority of Muslims truly do their best to live by the dictates of these laws.




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