Monday, April 22, 2019

Why Halal Certified Meals Are So Immensely Popular

By Diane Foster


Muslims live strictly regulated lives. Almost every aspect of their day to day existence is controlled by the Islamic Law. This law also contains many rules and prescriptions related to the food that Muslims eat, from manufacturing to the preparation and enjoyment of food. Food is very important in Muslim lives because they believe that food not only nourishes but that it also impacts upon their spiritual lives and their moral characters. This is why Halal certified meals are so important to them.

Certification can only be obtained from an official Halaal Council. It is not given easily and applicants have to subject themselves and their facilities to meticulous inspections. They must prove that they are following the rules in the Islamic Law to the letter. When certification is granted, it must still be renewed every year. The entire application process can take months and certification can be withdrawn if any rule is broken.

The Islamic Law forbids Muslims to consume certain types of food. They may not eat pork in any form and they may not consume alcohol. This rule even applies to medication that contains tiny quantities of alcohol. Extracts used in the preparation process must be obtained from abattoirs that are specially licensed by the Halaal Council. These abattoirs are subjected to strict inspections by Muslim assessors.

The manufacture, packaging and preparation of food are also strictly controlled. Halaal food may never come into contact with other types of food. If this happens the food must be rejected and discarded. Utensils, tools, containers and cookware used in preparing Halaal food may never be used for any other type of food either. It must be cleaned separately and be stored apart from non Halaal utensils.

Anyone may apply for certification, not just Muslims. It is not even necessary that Muslims prepare or package the food, although Halaal councils recommend that there are Muslim supervisors present. The only criteria are that each and every rule contained in the Islamic Law is followed meticulously. Applicants do not have to limit themselves to the manufacture or preparation of Halaal food alone. They must, however, implement systems to avoid the contamination of Halaal food.

There are numerous people that are not Muslim at all that prefer Halaal food. This is because only the very best ingredients are used in the preparation of this food and the entire process is strictly controlled and a high standard of hygiene is maintained at all times. Many people therefore believe that Halaal food is healthier than other food that is not as strictly controlled.

When there is a large demand for something there will always be those that try to profit without following the rules. There are many suppliers and outlets that proclaim themselves to be Halaal friendly even though they are not certified. Consumers should check for the official Halaal logo on the packaging and they can consult the website of the Halaal Council to determine whether any particular vendor or restaurant is certified.

Many people think that Halaal food is prepared in ceremonies where religious rites are performed or special prayers are said. This is not the case at all. It is simply a matter of maintaining high standards and of adhering strictly to the rules contained in the Islamic Law.




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