COLUMN 25
January-February . 2025 | @ Halal
COLUMN 25
[ Allah said ], “ O messengers , eat from the good foods and work righteousness . Indeed , I , of what you do , am Knowing .” ( Quran , Al- Mu ’ minun , 23:51 ).
By ensuring that food products are halal and pure , halal certification bodies uphold the Quranic principle of consuming what is good and striving for righteousness . This commitment not only fulfills religious obligations but also builds trust and confidence among consumers , knowing that their food is produced with the utmost care and integrity .
PROCESSING AIDS IN HALAL- CERTIFIED PRODUCTS
Halal certification of food products is not just about the ingredients but also the intricate processes behind the scenes . Halal certification bodies meticulously evaluate various factors , including the permissibility of ingredients and additives , as well as the methods used in food processing .
They ensure that every stage of production aligns with shari ’ ah and standards , guaranteeing that the products meet halal requirements comprehensively .
To reiterate , one of the key aspects scrutinised is the status of processing aids . These are substances that may not appear on the final product label but play crucial roles during production . According to the Manual Procedure for Malaysia Halal Certification ( Domestic ) 2020 ( MPPHM , 2020 ), every processing aid must be confirmed as halal , safe , and uncontaminated .
This means that from the enzymes used in fermentation to the anti-foaming agents ensuring product consistency , everything must adhere to halal requirements .
Furthermore , the Malaysian Standard MS1500:2019 Halal Food – General requirement ( Third revision ), under clause 4.3.1 , stipulates that “ Devices , utensils , machines , and processing aids used for processing halal food shall be designed and constructed to facilitate cleaning and shall not be made of or contain any materials that are decreed as najs by the shari ’ ah and shall be used only for halal food ” ( MS1500:2019 , 2019 ).
This ensures that not only the tools but also the processing aids involved in food production must come from halal materials and not contain any elements that are decreed as najs by the shari ’ ah .
Imagine the journey of a simple packaged snack , from the raw materials sourced to the final product on the supermarket shelf . Every step , from the mixing bowls to the packaging machines , must be free from contamination and aligned with halal principles .
By ensuring that every component , including processing aids , adheres to stringent halal standards , certification bodies provide consumers with the confidence that the products they choose are genuinely halal . So next time you pick up a halal-certified product , remember the intricate and diligent process that ensures its purity and compliance from farm to table .
“ Halal certification of food products is not just about the ingredients but also the intricate processes behind the scenes . Halal certification bodies meticulously evaluate various factors , including the permissibility of ingredients and additives , as well as the methods used in food processing . ”
CONSUMER AWARENESS AND EDUCATION
Ensuring the halal status of food products is a complex and meticulous process that extends beyond the visible ingredients listed on the packaging . Processing aids , often hidden from consumer ’ s view , play a crucial role in food production but can pose significant challenges to maintaining halal integrity .
While halal certification bodies work diligently to scrutinise every detail , it is equally important for consumers to be educated and vigilant about what they consume . Consumer education is vital in empowering individuals to make informed choices about halal products . Understanding the potential presence and impact of processing aids helps consumers to assess the halal integrity of their food better .
By being aware of the complexities involved in food production , consumers can ask the right questions , seek detailed information from manufacturers , and support products that adhere to stringent halal standards . –