lundi 20 novembre 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 Such certification can easily be withdrawn if the applicant breeches the rules.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.

Certain types of foodstuffs automatically never qualify for certification. Anything that contains any for of alcohol is banned by Islamic Law. Any derivative or extract used in the manufacturing or preparation of any foodstuff that was sourced from any place except a halaal abattoir is also banned outright. This is because the monitoring of halaal animal derivative and extracts in an abattoir is time consuming and difficult. All forms of pork are banned.

Halaal certification do not just focus on the ingredients of the foodstuffs. There are numerous other rules that must be followed during the manufacturing, packaging or preparation processes. For example, foodstuffs may not be prepared in containers such as pots or pans that have been used in the preparation of non halaal meals. It is even necessary to use separate washing and drying 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.

Muslims strive towards complete obedience to all the rules in the Islamic Law. For most Muslims, this does not constitute a sacrifice. They want to be good Muslims. That is why they do everything possible to make sure that they follow each and every rule pertaining to eating, the preparation of meals and the purchase of foodstuffs.




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