Halal Certified Meals Comply With Very Strict Rules

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.

In order to get Halaal certification, it is necessary to follow very strict rules during the manufacturing, packaging and preparation of food. Such certification can be obtained from a Halaal Council. There are such councils wherever large numbers of Muslims live or work. Certification is not easily granted and has to be renewed every year. Certification can be withdrawn if even a single rule is broken anywhere along the process.

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 that are used in the preparation of food that are taken into account for certification purposes. The entire production process and the way in which the food is prepared are also deemed very important. There may be no cross contamination of Halaal food and any other food during manufacturing, packaging or preparation processes. During preparation, separate cooking implements must be used.

Anyone can apply for Halaal certification, not just Muslims. It is adherence to the strict regulations that is of concern to the certification council. Applicants may also produce or supply non Halaal food but they must prove that there is no contact between Halaal and non Halaal food during manufacturing, packaging and preparation processes. Most applicants will strengthen their applications by employing at least two Muslim supervisors.

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.

Muslims in general do not think that all the rules and regulations related to their food are limiting them. They see Islamic Law as a sensible guideline that helps them to live healthy and balanced lives. Strict adherence to these guidelines is seen as a virtue, not a burden.




About the Author:



Nenhum comentário:

Postar um comentário