Halal is an Arabic term that means “permissible” or “lawful” according to Islamic law (Shariah). It refers to any object or action that is allowed or permitted under Islamic principles. In the context of food and beverages, halal refers to products that are prepared, processed, and consumed according to Islamic dietary laws.

Key principles of halal food include:

Prohibition of Certain Ingredients: Certain ingredients are prohibited in Islamic dietary laws, including pork and its by-products, alcohol, carnivorous animals, birds of prey, and animals that have died from disease or natural causes.

Slaughtering Method: The method of slaughter must be performed by a Muslim who pronounces the name of Allah (God) at the time of slaughter. The animal must be healthy and alive at the time of slaughter, and its blood must be completely drained from the body.

Cleanliness and Hygiene: Halal food must be prepared, processed, and handled in a manner that ensures cleanliness and hygiene throughout the entire production process. This includes using clean utensils, equipment, and facilities, as well as avoiding contamination with non-halal substances.

No Cross-Contamination: Halal food must not come into contact with non-halal food or substances during processing, storage, or transportation. This ensures the purity and integrity of halal products.

Certification: In many countries, halal food products are certified by halal certification bodies to ensure compliance with Islamic dietary laws. These certification bodies verify that the production process meets halal requirements and may involve inspections, audits, and regular monitoring.

Halal food is not only important for Muslims, but it is also increasingly recognized and sought after by non-Muslim consumers who value ethical and sustainable food production practices. As a result, many food manufacturers and producers now offer halal-certified products to cater to this growing market segment.

It’s important to note that halal is not just about the ingredients themselves but also about the entire production process and the ethical considerations involved. Therefore, halal certification involves comprehensive evaluation and verification to ensure compliance with Islamic dietary laws