Kosher Encyclopedia

Halal is not the same as kosher or organic, but there are similarities between kosher and halal, and foods and cosmetics that are halal-certified may also be certified organic.

The concepts of Halal and Kosher are rooted in the biblical Muslimand scriptures on what Jews can eat. Halal laws are based on MuslimThe holy book is the Quran, while kosher laws are based on the Torah, the Jewish holy book.

Just as halal means permissible and fit for consumption, implying purity and goodness, kosher means "pure" or "fit for consumption." Like halal food, kosher rules restrict the animals that can be eaten—for example, cattle, sheep, goats, and poultry are permitted, while pork, blood, and the flesh of carnivorous animals are prohibited.

Almost all clean, whole plant-based foods, such as grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds, will be considered kosher and halal.

Kosher and halal are also similar in that they require people of faith to perform the ritual slaughter of animals so that the animals feel no pain and become unconscious within seconds.

Despite their similarities, halal and kosher laws are different. Camel and shellfish can be halal, but not kosher, and kosher does not allow meat and milk to be mixed.

 MuslimDietary laws prohibit alcohol, but Jewish tradition permits it. For example, kosher baked goods made with alcohol-based vanilla extract are not halal.

Therefore, although MuslimMany kosher foods are permitted, but products need to be halal certified so that consumers can be fully confident that they meet Islamic dietary standards.

Much like the halal certification process required for industrially processed foods and global trade, there is a kosher certification process overseen by religious authorities that grants food processors the right to display the kosher seal.

So, there are many similarities between Kosher and Halal, but because the regulations do differ somewhat, foods that require certification (especially meat) will often be certified as either Kosher or Halal, but not both.

In contrast to Halal and Kosher certifications, organic certification is based solely on crop and livestock management practices, with no religious basis for food processing.

Organic certification provides consumers with assurance that certified foods and cosmetics are produced without synthetic ingredients or inputs. Animal products, crops, processed foods, and cosmetics can be certified organic.

For animal products, organic certification means they were raised without antibiotics or hormones and fed organic feed. There are other requirements as well—for example, organic cattle must be at least partially grass-fed.

Organic crops must be grown without the use of synthetic fertilizers or pesticides, and farmers must use practices designed to protect soil and water health, such as crop rotation and cover crops.

Organic cosmetics and processed foods must be made from at least 95% organic ingredients and cannot contain artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.

In the United States, the Department of Agriculture sets organic standards, and third-party organizations recognized by the USDA (such as Quality Assurance International or certain state and county departments of agriculture) certify that farmers or processors follow these standards.

These products can then be sold as organic and can display the highly recognized USDA Organic seal. Obtaining organic certification is difficult because the process involves following strict standards, extensive paperwork, and inspections by certifying agents.

Many foods can be certified as both halal and organic, but neither of these guarantees the other's rightness. Some products that can be certified organic (such as pork, blood sausage, or wine) cannot be certified halal, and certified halal products that contain artificial flavors or colors cannot be certified organic.

Generally speaking, however, halal certification indicates a high level of purity and close attention to correct slaughtering and handling procedures, addressing many of the same issues that attract consumers to organic products.