FAQs

The term "halal" is an Arabic word meaning anything that is permissible in Islam. Within the food industry, Halal products are those products permissible for the Muslim community to consume according to Islamic dietary laws.

Halal certification means a product is devoid of any impermissible ingredients and has been processed in a facility that maintains the integrity of the halal status. It provides credibility to establishments and confidence to halal-conscious consumers.

Something considered Halal is not the same as a Halal Certified product. Halal is a general term, while Halal certified products have been vetted by a third-party halal certification body to ensure compliance with Islamic dietary requirements.

Prohibited items include:

• Human derived ingredients
• Pork and pork derivatives
• Animals with fangs or talons (carnivorous animals)
• Animals not slaughtered according to Islamic ritual rites
• Carrion (dead animals)
• All forms of filth (blood, urine, excrement, etc.)
• Insects (except locusts)
• Any intoxicants (alcohol)
• Anything toxic or harmful to the body

Halal certifying agencies investigate companies to determine whether their products meet halal standards. They examine ingredients, suppliers, and production facilities to ensure no contamination occurs and provide a seal of certification once all hazards are mitigated.

Cost varies depending on factors such as the number of products, ingredients, and facility size. Each client has unique needs that require focused attention in different areas. Contact a certification agency for specific pricing based on your requirements.

Halal certification focuses on four core principles (STIC):

• Sanitation: Preventing cross-contamination
• Traceability: Tracking products from start to finish
• Integrity: Maintaining clean production environment
• Composition: Ensuring all ingredients are permissible

The full certification process typically takes 1 to 4 weeks from the audit date. Factors affecting timeline include number of products, ingredients, suppliers, facility size, and production process complexity.

Only Kosher meat slaughtered according to original Orthodox Jewish law is deemed Halal. This includes slitting ventricles, letting blood flow, and pronouncing God's name before slaughter. Many modern Kosher organizations don't adhere to these original standards.

Halal is a broad term referring to anything permissible for Muslims. Zabiha (dhabiḥa) specifically means "to slaughter" and refers to the proper Islamic method of animal slaughter. A proper zabiha renders meat halal (permissible) to consume.

Yes, but strict conditions must be met. Either equipment must be completely separate, or facilities must implement thorough cleaning procedures that remove all traces of taste, smell, and color from contaminated equipment.

This depends on preparation methods and ingredients. If prepared or fried in the same equipment/oil as non-halal products, contamination occurs. Some fries use beef tallow or other non-halal animal fats. Always inquire about preparation methods and ingredients.

No. According to USDA regulations, any product labeled "Halal" must be certified by a third-party halal certification agency. Using "Halal" without proper certification is considered a legal statement that must be verifiable and can result in penalties.

It is absolutely not permissible to buy or sell haram products. The Prophet expressly forbade such transactions. However, some schools of thought allow exceptions for utility purposes, such as purchasing manure as fertilizer.

No, it is not permissible to use cosmetic products containing haram ingredients. Islamic tradition prohibits applying non-halal substances to the body. Muslims should look for halal certification emblems or inspect ingredient lists carefully.

 Islamic law permits using haram products only when medical necessity arises and one's life is in danger. The Quran instructs careful consideration to ensure such use is necessary and should never be abused. No necessity means no permission.

 Halal consumers worry about masked ingredient names, undisclosed "proprietary" ingredients, facility contamination from non-halal products, and lack of transparency in production processes. Certification alleviates these concerns by providing expert verification.

Animals are made halal through the process of dhabiha - the most humane method of slaughter causing least pain. Animals should be handled with care, properly fed, free from disease, and slaughtered according to Islamic ritual requirements.

The halal industry is worth $2.4 trillion and expected to exceed $3 trillion by 2023. With 1.9 billion Muslim consumers worldwide (1/4 of world population), halal certification provides credibility, consumer confidence, and access to this growing market.

No, halal refers to any Islamically permissible human action or product. While commonly associated with food, halal certification applies to cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and any consumable or applicable items that may contain prohibited ingredients.