الاثنين، 18 ديسمبر 2017

Why Halal Certified Food Is Important To Muslims

By Sarah Hamilton


Islamic Law is a dominant and extremely important set of rules that directly influence the daily lives of Muslims all over the world. These laws cover all aspects of life and it is very particular about the foodstuffs that Muslims consume. This is because Muslims view it as much more than mere nutrition. What one eats also has an important impact upon the spirituality and morals of the individual. This is why Muslims go to great lengths to buy, prepare and eat on Halal certified food.

Halaal certification is a very strictly controlled and regulated process. Applications are made to the local Halaal Council, which can be found in most countries with big Muslim populations. The application process can take months and during this time the Halaal Council make sure that the applicant is adhering to each and every rule applicable for the manufacturing and preparation of halaal products and meals. Certification is valid for one year only.

There are some types of foodstuffs that are utterly forbidden, even when used as a minor ingredient in the preparation of meals or products. No alcohol may be used, not even when it is an ingredient of medication. Pork products in all its forms are forbidden. Even the derivatives and extracts used by Muslims may only be obtained from an abattoir that is operated strictly according to halaal standards.

It is not only the ingredients that are used in the preparation of meals or other halaal products that are evaluated for certification purposes. The process of production or preparation is also scrutinized. Halaal products may not be contaminated by other foodstuff at any stage. Separate utensils, containers and other cooking wear must be used. It is even necessary to use exclusive cleaning and drying equipment for halaal purposes.

Halaal certification does not require that only Muslims are involved in the handling of the products or meals. Applicants do not have to be Muslims either. Anyone can apply, as long as they abide by the rules of the Halaal Council. This council nevertheless strongly recommend that at least two Muslims are present during all stages of the manufacturing, packaging or preparation processes.

It is interesting to note that halaal products are also extremely popular with numerous people that are not Muslims. They buy halaal foodstuffs because they know that the entire process by which it was manufactured or produced has been monitored strictly and that the highest standards of hygiene have been maintained. One the very best quality ingredients are used. This definitely cannot be said of other, non halaal products.

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.

Most Muslims try very hard to live their lives strictly according to the Islamic Law, particularly when it comes to what they eat. They believe that these laws are there to protect them from harm and abuse. The laws are not imposed to punish or to control people.




About the Author:



ليست هناك تعليقات:

إرسال تعليق