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By Sarah Hamilton


Devout Muslims lead strictly controlled lives. Islamic Law regulates just about every facet of the daily life of a Muslim. This is particularly true of the food that Muslims may consume. Muslims see foodstuffs as much more important than mere nourishment. The foodstuff that one eats or drink also have a very important influence on the spiritual and moral character of the individual. It is for this reason that Muslims will not purchase any product that is not Halal certified food.

Halaal certification is not easily granted. It is a lengthy process during which the Halaal Council judge whether the applicant strictly adheres to all the rules applicable to halaal foodstuffs. Halaal Councils can be found in every country where sizeable numbers of Muslims reside. Once certification is granted it has to be renewed every year. Certification can also be withdrawn if the rules are broken.

Some types of foodstuff are simply forbidden for all Muslims. All pork products are to be shunned. Muslims may also not consume alcohol in any form, even in the form of medication that contains alcohol. Muslims must also only use extracts and derivatives that were obtained at a abattoir that is halaal approved. This is because the processes in such abattoirs are very strictly monitored at all times.

The ingredients used in the preparation or manufacturing of foods are not the only factors under consideration before certification is approved. The process by which the food is manufactured or prepared also comes under scrutiny. It is not allowed to use utensils and other tools that have been used in the preparation of other types of food. The containers, cutlery and utensils used in the preparation of halaal meals must even be cleaned in separate facilities.

Halaal certification does not require that products and meals are prepared or produced by Muslims. Any business or individual can apply for certification. The applicant is not required to restrict his products to halaal foodstuffs exclusively but cross contamination is not allowed. The Halaal Council strongly recommend that a minimum of two Muslims are part of the process, but this is not a very strict requirement.

There are numerous non Muslim people that prefer halaal food too. They are attracted by the fact that the manufacturing or preparation of these products are so strictly controlled in terms of the ingredients used and the standards of hygiene that must be maintained. They therefore view halaal foodstuffs as superior to most others. Many people also think that halaal foodstuffs are more flavourful and healthy.

The market for halaal products and meals is lucrative. It is only to be expected, therefore, that some unscrupulous businesses try to attract Muslim customers even though their products are not officially approved by the Halaal Council. They sidestep this problem by describing their products as halaal friendly or other terms that may create the impression that the business in question has certification. Real halaal products always display the official halaal logo.

For most devout Muslims Islam Law, and particularly those laws pertaining to what they eat, is not a burden. They rather see it as a virtue. A strict halaal diet is, in fact, an integral part of the Muslim religion.




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