Devout Muslims lead strictly controlled lives. Islamic Law regulates just about every facet of the daily life of a Muslim. This is particularly true of the food that Muslims may consume. Muslims see foodstuffs as much more important than mere nourishment. The foodstuff that one eats or drink also have a very important influence on the spiritual and moral character of the individual. It is for this reason that Muslims will not purchase any product that is not Halal certified food.
Halaal certification is not easily granted. It is a lengthy process during which the Halaal Council judge whether the applicant strictly adheres to all the rules applicable to halaal foodstuffs. Halaal Councils can be found in every country where sizeable numbers of Muslims reside. Once certification is granted it has to be renewed every year. Certification can also be withdrawn if the rules are broken.
There are certain foodstuffs that no Muslim may ever use or consume. Pork in any form is seen as an abomination and unclean. Alcohol is also strictly forbidden, even when it is used as a minor ingredient or as an ingredient of medication. Extracts and flavouring agents may only be used if it was produced in a halaal abattoir. The control over the processes in these abattoirs is extremely strict and time consuming.
The ingredients used in the preparation or manufacturing of foods are not the only factors under consideration before certification is approved. The process by which the food is manufactured or prepared also comes under scrutiny. It is not allowed to use utensils and other tools that have been used in the preparation of other types of food. The containers, cutlery and utensils used in the preparation of halaal meals must even be cleaned in separate facilities.
One would think that halaal certification will require that everything is prepared only by Muslims. This is not the case. Anyone can apply for certification and the applicant can be either an individual or a business. The Halaal Council does strongly recommend, however, that at least two Muslims are present at all times during the manufacturing, packaging or preparation of halaal products and meals.
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.
For most devout Muslims Islam Law, and particularly those laws pertaining to what they eat, is not a burden. They rather see it as a virtue. A strict halaal diet is, in fact, an integral part of the Muslim religion.
Halaal certification is not easily granted. It is a lengthy process during which the Halaal Council judge whether the applicant strictly adheres to all the rules applicable to halaal foodstuffs. Halaal Councils can be found in every country where sizeable numbers of Muslims reside. Once certification is granted it has to be renewed every year. Certification can also be withdrawn if the rules are broken.
There are certain foodstuffs that no Muslim may ever use or consume. Pork in any form is seen as an abomination and unclean. Alcohol is also strictly forbidden, even when it is used as a minor ingredient or as an ingredient of medication. Extracts and flavouring agents may only be used if it was produced in a halaal abattoir. The control over the processes in these abattoirs is extremely strict and time consuming.
The ingredients used in the preparation or manufacturing of foods are not the only factors under consideration before certification is approved. The process by which the food is manufactured or prepared also comes under scrutiny. It is not allowed to use utensils and other tools that have been used in the preparation of other types of food. The containers, cutlery and utensils used in the preparation of halaal meals must even be cleaned in separate facilities.
One would think that halaal certification will require that everything is prepared only by Muslims. This is not the case. Anyone can apply for certification and the applicant can be either an individual or a business. The Halaal Council does strongly recommend, however, that at least two Muslims are present at all times during the manufacturing, packaging or preparation of halaal products and meals.
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.
For most devout Muslims Islam Law, and particularly those laws pertaining to what they eat, is not a burden. They rather see it as a virtue. A strict halaal diet is, in fact, an integral part of the Muslim religion.
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Get an overview of important factors to keep in mind when choosing a food supplier and more information about a Halal certified food supplier at http://www.halalcertified.com now.
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