Magnitude of Halal food; Muslim & non-Muslim concerns

Halal concept means the “permissible food” which is just according to the Islamic sharia, it is safe, clean and pure. The word halal covers all the aspects of Muslim’s life including eating, wearing, seeing and talking.

Magnitude of Halal food; Muslim & non-Muslim concerns

Halal food not only effect our eating behavior but it also have influence on our character. The concept of Halal food is supported by Quran “O you Messengers! Eat of the clean and pure (Tayyib) and act righteously”. Tayyib food ensures the safety of food made in industry and sold in market.
Halal Food

Halal Food Legislation and Regulation

The halal foods include complete set of the rules and regulations during the preparation, processing and handling of the food. The food which is prepared should fulfil the halal certification as well as satisfy the consumer’s demand. Halal food should be of the export quality.

According to the halal food laws there are following things that should be prohibited

  • Pigs and boars
  • Dogs, snakes and monkeys
  • Carnivorous animals with claws and fangs such as lions, tigers, bears and other similar animals
  • Birds of prey with claws such as eagles, vultures, and other similar birds
  • Pests such as rats, centipedes, scorpions and other similar animals
  • Animals forbidden to be killed in Islam i.e., ants, bees and woodpecker birds
  • Those animals who live both on land and in water such as frogs, crocodiles and other similar animals
  • Mules and domestic donkeys
  • All poisonous and hazardous aquatic animals
  • Any other animals not slaughtered according to Islamic Law
  • Blood

Halal Certification in Pakistan

Punjab Halal Development Agency (PHDA) is a halal certification organization which is approved by PNAC. It is maintained by Government of Punjab PHDA. Islam is majorly practice is three main continents of world i.e. Middle East, North Africa and some parts of Asia. Most of communities of Muslims are also living in China, India and Russia. Islamic societies will practice the halal food in every aspect of their lives.

Exportation of Halal Food

Halal foods can led the country to take to a steps higher in economics by exporting the halal food.  The exportation of halal food especially beef and mutton which is produced in Pakistan in large amount led towards progress. The worldwide trade of halal food reach up to $300 billion.

The export of halal meat products are more by non-Muslim countries. Europe imports halal meat at the worth of $66 billion.  France spent $17 billion and is the largest importer of halal meat among European countries.

World Halal Food Board

It is said that only the Pakistan and halal foods are identical for each other. It is the single country in which the whole population enjoys the halal meat. The exportation requires the certification from World Halal Food Board which not only ensures the proper slaughtering method but also the food security.

It is not only required in food but also in every aspect of life. As it is stated in the Holy Quran “And spend in the way of Allah and do not throw (yourselves) with your (own) hands into destruction (by refraining). And do good, indeed, Allah loves the doers of good. ” (Quran 2:195)

First Halal Regulation

In many countries there is still no rule for the halal food regulation but the Malaysia is the first country that made the halal food regulation under the Trade Description Act in 1972. (This act includes the permission of use of only those products which ensures that it shouldn’t contain anything impure, intoxicate, hazardous to health, and any of human part according to the Syariah laws (Hukum Syarak). The food should not prepared from the machine by which the haram food is prepared to lessen the chance of mixing.  

Advance Rules for Halal Foods

In 2011 TDA 1972 was changed with the new TDA 2011 which have advance regulations and features against the false halal food description. The most important authority working in Malaysia is JAKIM (Department of Islamic Development Malaysia). This organization deals with the Islamic issues including the market value and demand of halal foods. It always been this JAKIM’s obligation to fulfil the demand of Muslims about halal food.

Advantages of Halal Certification·

  • High level of customers trust which ascertains the selection of food more clearer
  • Guaranteed a healthy life style which lead the industrialists to business
  • The quality of the food is preferred which shows that the not only the halal food is prepared but also processed hygienically
  • Involves the mechanism of auditing and monitoring of halal products

Non-Muslims Concerns

The halal food is not only the concern of Muslims but non-Muslims also follow the halal regulation. Because of their health promoting effects and their concern of eating the wholesome, clean and quality food. Which lead to the betterment of their health and quality life. For the Muslims it is compulsory to follow the halal certification. In their comparison non-Muslims adopt it for their own concern of staying healthy and fit.

Advantages of Tayyib with Regard to Food Safety

  • Halal application in food industry prevent the transmission of diseases to the consumers
  • Application of tayyib in food production promises the desirable and satisfactory health of the consumers
  • Halal food increase moral and spiritual values of the humans
  • It helps in building the societies according to the Islamic values
  • Halal food laws also applied to the animals and grant their safety
  • It helps in intensifying the immunity and ability to combat against diseases and increase life quality

    Conclusions

    Halal foods are safe to use and have gain equal importance in Muslims and non-Muslim countries. In non-Muslim countries they give more importance because of improved hygiene, better immunity development. There are some practical issues in practicing the halal foods regulations because of following reasons

    • Most of the enzymes used in the industry are mixed with haram ingredients
    • Labor intensive and long process of separate washing, grinding and food preparation
    • Cross contamination of halal and haram also occurs

    Authors:

    1.  Summar Fatima M.Sc. (Hons.) Human Nutrition and Dietetics, UAF
    2. Syed Shoaib Bukhari M.Sc. (Hons.) Food Technology, UAF
    3. Qura-tul-Ain M.Sc. (Hons.) Food Technology, UAF