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.
Food outlets, manufacturers, distributors and restaurants that want to cater to the Muslim market must apply for Halaal certification. Applications in this regard are made to a local Halaal Council. These councils are by no means mere rubber stamping authorities. Applications are carefully evaluated and great care is taken to make sure that the applicant adheres to all the rules pertaining to certification.
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.
There are those that think that Halaal food is subjected to religious rites and that it would be wrong for non Muslims to eat it. This is certainly not the case. Halaal food is simply subjected to very high hygienic standards. This is unfortunately not true of much of the other types of food millions of people consume every day.
Food outlets, manufacturers, distributors and restaurants that want to cater to the Muslim market must apply for Halaal certification. Applications in this regard are made to a local Halaal Council. These councils are by no means mere rubber stamping authorities. Applications are carefully evaluated and great care is taken to make sure that the applicant adheres to all the rules pertaining to certification.
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.
There are those that think that Halaal food is subjected to religious rites and that it would be wrong for non Muslims to eat it. This is certainly not the case. Halaal food is simply subjected to very high hygienic standards. This is unfortunately not true of much of the other types of food millions of people consume every day.
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