Only “Halal” food as defined by Islamic nutritional laws is allowed in Islam. In Arabic “Halal” means lawful or permitted. “Halal” foods are those that are free from any component that Islamic law (Shariah) prohibits Muslims from eating, and they are processed, manufactured and stored using utensils, equipment, and machinery purified under Islamic law. Products with a “halal” symbol on their packaging have been authorized by an agency and are certificated free of any elements or ingredients that are prohibited. Examples of “halal” food include the following: cereal products not containing haram ingredients, rice, pasta, fruits and vegetables, cheese, yogurt and ice cream with bacterial culture without animal rennet, certified meat, and poultry, seafood, nuts, eggs, and tofu. “Haram” is the opposite of “Halal” and means unlawful or prohibited. In Islam, these two terms are used in relation to to food products, meat products, cosmetics, personal care products, pharmaceuticals, food ingredients, and food contact materials. Muslims are forbidden to consume foods and drinks that are “haram”. Examples of “Haram” food: Cereal products containing haram ingredients (alcohol animal fats, vanilla extract), fruits and vegetables containing haraam ingredients (alcohol, animal fats, gelatine, bacon), cheese, yogurt and ice cream made with animal rennet, vanilla extract, gelatine, pepsin or lipase, pork and its products, non-certified meat and poultry and any product prepared with alcohol or animal fats.
