According to HALAL certification norms, what categories are food and beverages divided into?

It is divided into three categories: 1) HALAL (suitable or permitted for consumption; most foods and beverages fall into this category unless explicitly forbidden); 2) non-HALAL (i.e., HARAM, forbidden for consumption, such as the meat of dead animals and birds, pork, intoxicating drugs and alcoholic beverages); 3) Syubhah (doubtful food in the gray area, not clearly HALAL or non-HALAL).

Classification of HALAL-Certified Food

According to HALAL certification norms, all food and beverages can be classified into one of the following categories:

1. HALAL

HALAL is derived from Arabic, meaning suitable or permitted. Any food or beverage in this category is permitted for consumption. Most foods and beverages are considered HALAL food, unless explicitly stated as forbidden or non-HALAL in the HALAL regulatory policies and guidelines.

2. Non-HALAL food

'Non-HALAL,' traditionally also called 'HARAM,' means forbidden or not permitted. As the name implies, the consumption of any food or beverage classified as non-HALAL food is forbidden. Generally speaking, everything harmful is non-HALAL. Examples include the meat of dead animals and birds, pork, intoxicating drugs and alcoholic beverages.

3. Syubhah

Any food or beverage that lies in a gray area and does not clearly fall into the HALAL or non-HALAL category is classified as 'Syubhah,' or doubtful or suspect.

A typical example of a Syubhah ingredient is lecithin. Lecithin can be derived from plants or animals. If lecithin comes from plants, it is considered HALAL food, but it would be non-HALAL food if it comes from ingredients of animals not slaughtered according to HALAL slaughter regulations or from forbidden animal sources. Before the status becomes clear, HALAL consumers should avoid consuming Syubhah food or beverages.

FAQ

According to HALAL certification norms, what categories are food and beverages divided into?: It is divided into three categories: 1) HALAL (suitable or permitted for consumption; most foods and beverages fall into this category unless explicitly forbidden); 2) non-HALAL (i.e., HARAM, forbidden for consumption, such as the meat of dead animals and birds, pork, intoxicating drugs and alcoholic beverages); 3) Syubhah (doubtful food in the gray area, not clearly HALAL or non-HALAL).
Why is lecithin considered a Syubhah (doubtful) ingredient?: Because lecithin can be derived from plants or animals. If it comes from plants, it is considered HALAL; if it comes from animals not slaughtered according to HALAL slaughter regulations or from forbidden animal sources, it is non-HALAL. Before the status is clear, HALAL consumers should avoid consuming such Syubhah food or beverages.

FAQ

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