So This Is Christmas

Merry Christmas is such an infectious feeling I like to feel that way all year around.

So if you are visiting just before Christmas, just after Christmas or even here on Christmas day I am sure you will find something of interest for you and in the spirit of Christmas.

It may be said that Christmas is no longer a celebration but this must be spoken by people that have never had trouble closing their eyes on Christmas Eve in an expectation of what maybe left for them on the carpet under the tree.

I continue to look forward to the surprise on my Grandchild's faces to this day at Christmas events.

Merry Christmas - Merry Christmas - Merry Christmas

Thursday, March 15, 2018

Strict Rules Apply To Halal Certified Food

By Sarah Hamilton


Islamic Law is a dominant and extremely important set of rules that directly influence the daily lives of Muslims all over the world. These laws cover all aspects of life and it is very particular about the foodstuffs that Muslims consume. This is because Muslims view it as much more than mere nutrition. What one eats also has an important impact upon the spirituality and morals of the individual. This is why Muslims go to great lengths to buy, prepare and eat on Halal certified food.

Halaal certification is a very strictly controlled and regulated process. Applications are made to the local Halaal Council, which can be found in most countries with big Muslim populations. The application process can take months and during this time the Halaal Council make sure that the applicant is adhering to each and every rule applicable for the manufacturing and preparation of halaal products and meals. Certification is valid for one year only.

There are certain foodstuffs that no Muslim may ever use or consume. Pork in any form is seen as an abomination and unclean. Alcohol is also strictly forbidden, even when it is used as a minor ingredient or as an ingredient of medication. Extracts and flavouring agents may only be used if it was produced in a halaal abattoir. The control over the processes in these abattoirs is extremely strict and time consuming.

The ingredients used in the preparation or manufacturing of foods are not the only factors under consideration before certification is approved. The process by which the food is manufactured or prepared also comes under scrutiny. It is not allowed to use utensils and other tools that have been used in the preparation of other types of food. The containers, cutlery and utensils used in the preparation of halaal meals must even be cleaned in separate facilities.

One would think that halaal certification will require that everything is prepared only by Muslims. This is not the case. Anyone can apply for certification and the applicant can be either an individual or a business. The Halaal Council does strongly recommend, however, that at least two Muslims are present at all times during the manufacturing, packaging or preparation of halaal products and meals.

It is interesting to note that halaal products are also extremely popular with numerous people that are not Muslims. They buy halaal foodstuffs because they know that the entire process by which it was manufactured or produced has been monitored strictly and that the highest standards of hygiene have been maintained. One the very best quality ingredients are used. This definitely cannot be said of other, non halaal products.

It is a sad fact that there are many manufacturers and even restaurants that create the impression that they have obtained certification while they have in fact not been approved. They used terms such as halaal friendly or halaal compliant. Consumers should make sure that the products that they buy clearly display the official halaal approved logo. Advice can also be obtained from the official Halaal Council website.

Some people think that the Islamic Law regulation regarding halaal food is restrictive. Muslims do not see it that way. For them, the laws are there to protect them and to help them be better Muslims.




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