Sunday, 19 May 2019

Halal Certified Meals Are The Only Food Allowed To Muslims

By Nancy Hill


For Muslims the Islamic Law is the supreme authority on all matters that related to their day to day lives. It is particularly detailed on matters related to the food that Muslims may eat. This is because food is deemed much more than just nutrition. The food that a Muslim consumes also has an effect upon his moral character and his spiritual well being. That is why there are so many rules related to food and why Muslims will eat nothing but Halal certified meals.

Halaal certification is granted by the Halaal Council. Such councils can be found wherever there are sizable Muslim populations. Applications are thoroughly evaluated and certification is only approved once the council is sure that the applicant meticulously follows the rules of the Islamic Law. Certification can be a lengthy process and is valid for one year only. Thereafter it needs to be renewed on an annual basis.

While all the food that Muslims consume is subjected to strict controls, certain types of food are completely forbidden. Muslims may never consume alcohol in any form, not even if it is an ingredient in medication. Pork in all forms is also strictly prohibited. Extracts and derivatives used in cooking must be obtained from a Halaal controlled abattoir where every step of the process is strictly controlled.

The rules related to food extend to the preparation, manufacturing and packaging processes as well. Halaal food may never come into contact with non Halaal food. Furthermore, Halaal food must be cooked, prepared, dished up and enjoyed in separate dishes, cookware and utensils used only for Halaal food. They must be cleaned and stored away from any other utensils and dishes.

Interestingly, there is no rule that only Muslims may apply for Halaal certification. Anyone that can prove the ability to follow the rules of the Islamic Law may apply. Applicants are not required to manufacture or prepare Halaal food only, but they must have systems in place to prevent any form of cross contamination. While not strictly required, the employment of at least two Muslims to oversee operations is encouraged.

It is not only Muslims that eat Halaal food. Millions of people that are not Muslims also prefer this food. They like the idea that such very high standards of hygiene is maintained during the manufacturing and preparation of the food and that only the very best ingredients are used at all times. No other type of food is subjected to such strict quality control measures.

The market for Halaal food is certainly a very large one and it is therefore not surprising that there are those suppliers, restaurants and outlets that con consumers into thinking that their food is Halaal while it is not. If the official logo of the Halaal Council is not displayed then the food is not Halaal. Vendors, restaurants and outlets are also required to prominently display their certification.

Muslims do not consider the rules related to their food as restrictive. Instead, they consider the Islamic law as a sensible and wise way in which to lead their lives. The discipline demanded by the Islamic Law strengthens the moral character of Muslims and help them to improve their spiritual, mental and physical health.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment