الجمعة، 22 فبراير 2019

Why Muslims Insist Upon Halal Certified Meals

By Kenneth McDonald


Muslims live their lives according to the Islamic Law. This law contains regulations about just about everything that affects the day to day lives of Muslims. There are particularly clear and stringent rules regarding the food that they may eat. Food is important to Muslims because it not only nourishes the body but also influences the spirit and the moral character. Muslims view there food as so important that they will never consume anything that is not Halal certified meals.

Halaal certification is done by the Halaal Council. There are, in fact, such councils in every big center in most countries. They apply very strict criteria in order to make sure that applicants are indeed following all the rules contained in the Islamic Law during the preparation, packaging and manufacturing of food. Certification is valid for one year only and it can be revoked at the slightest infringement.

Some food and drink are not allowed at all. Muslims are forbidden to eat any pork products and they may never consume alcohol. Even medication containing alcohol is not allowed. Any extracts used during the preparation of a meal must come from an abattoir certified and supervised by the Halaal Council. In these abattoirs very high standards are maintained at all times and there are always Muslim inspectors at hand.

It is not just the ingredients used in their food that are subjected to rules and regulations. The preparation and manufacturing processes are also subjected to strict rules. Halaal food must be prepared by using dedicated kitchen implements and there may be no contact with non Halaal ingredients at all. Food that has been contaminated in any way cannot be sold as Halaal compliant.

It is not necessary to be a Muslim in order to apply for Halaal certification. Anyone that strictly follows the rules may apply. Applicants are also not required to manufacture, package or prepare Halaal products exclusively, but care has to be taken that there is no cross contamination. Halaal councils recommend that applicants have at least two Muslims to supervise the processes, but this is not a stringent requirement for certification.

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.

When there is money to make there will be charlatans that try to fool consumers into thinking that their food is Halaal certified while it is not true. They use Muslim symbols and misleading wording on their packaging to create the impression that their food is indeed certified. Consumers can use the internet to make sure whether specific products and outlets are certified or not.

For the majority of Muslims, the rules governing their daily lives and the food that they eat are not a burden. They see compliance with the Islamic Law as a virtue. Their food is an important part of their culture and religion and the rules make sure that they eat healthier. It is no wonder that so many non Muslims also prefer Halaal food.




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