The word “Halal” comes from the Arabic language and means “permitted” and “permissible” in German. According to Islamic understanding, “Halal” includes all things and actions that are permitted, permissible and in conformity with Islam according to Islamic law.

Most people know the concept of halal primarily in the context of food production and consumption. However, the concept is much broader and not just limited to the slaughter of animals according to Islamic guidelines. For example, the halal concept requires companies to follow certain guidelines of hygiene and safety in the production process.

The food sector:

Food derived from plants is generally “halal,” except for intoxicating and toxic products. “Haram” includes all things that Muslims are not allowed to consume.

Certification:

In Muslim-majority countries and also by Muslim customers in Germany, it is assumed that food is “halal” in accordance with religious regulations. Similar to the Jewish Hescher or Kosher certification or comparable to an organic seal, a company can acquire a halal certificate and thus prove that it produces food in accordance with the Islamic religious dietary regulations. The criteria for certification – depending on the type of company – are, for example, compliance with certain procedures for manual or mechanical slaughtering and the equipment of the slaughtering facilities. In the food processing industry, in addition to the origin of the goods and the production site, the presence of pork or alcohol in the products is also checked using chemical analyses. The aim is to ensure that Muslims do not consume food that is forbidden for them.

Certification can be obtained from special certification bodies. At the end of the successfully completed process, there is official confirmation that a food product produced and/or distributed by the certified company is Halal-compliant. Just as in Judaism rabbis authenticate certification for kosher food, a Muslim authority confirms halal certification in cooperation with the certifying company. The certificate is usually valid for a period of one year.

Although health aspects or aspects of hygiene are not checked separately during certification, they are included, for example, through the prohibition of eating foods that are harmful to health.

The detailed requirements for certification may differ, depending on how the auditing Muslim authority with which the certifier is working interprets the Quran. This can directly affect the design and use of production and slaughter facilities. For example, there are differing views on whether animals that are stunned before slaughter – in accordance with German animal welfare regulations – comply with halal laws or whether this is not the case.

Ebbecke Verfahrenstechnik is able to work according to Halal standards. This allows us to offer our customers the assurance that all products to be processed are handled in compliance with Islamic law.