Crafting Halal Certified Products
Whether a company is simply looking to cater to the Muslim demographic or they are looking to expand into countries with significant Muslim populations – an expanding market these days – there are many reasons to consider creating products that are halal certified. In regards to foods, halal certification means that the foods in question are allowed to be eaten according to Islamic Sharia law. While it is simple to determine whether the main components of a food are halal certified, more questions are raised when it comes to the ingredients used in these products, and flavor and fragrance companies looking to cater to these demographics must endeavor to meet these guidelines for their customers.
Foods that are forbidden in Islam include any that contain blood; any that contain alcohol; any that contain the products of restricted animals, which include pigs, carnivorous animals, and birds of prey; and products from animals that were not slaughtered in the correct manner. It is important to pay close attention to these standards when creating goods designed for markets that have large Muslim populations, or even in the production of all-around natural items that appeal to a broad category of buyers. It’s simple enough to craft organic and vegan products that also appeal to standards for Halal certification, for example, and doing so can help flavor designers expand their reach across numerous different markets.
Perhaps the two points of most concern to flavor manufacturers include the restrictions against alcohol and those concerning the use of animal byproducts, as these include fats, gelatins, and other materials often harvested from animals. It is also important that any ingredients used in the product of foods certified as halal have not been in contact with instruments or materials that may contaminate them in accordance with these standards.
In the United States, halal certification is handled by independent bodies. By working with these independent bodies, flavor and fragrance manufacturers can ensure that they are producing goods that align with these laws and that are therefore appropriate for use by Muslims, who abide by halal regulations.
As the Muslim population increases and as an increasing number of companies do business in countries with significant Muslim populations, it is becoming more and more important to understand the regulations associated with creating halal certified foods and other products. Advanced Biotech crafts a number of products perfect for select markets, from those seeking Halal certification to those seeking to appeal to buyers’ desire for organic and vegan products, among others. Click here for Advanced Biotech’s ISA Halal Certificate.