Halaal Guidelines

1. What is the difference between Halaal and Halaal-certified food?

‘Halaal’ is an Arabic word which means lawful or permissible. Any food or drink which falls under this category is permitted for Muslim consumption. Examples of Halaal food include vegetables, spices and meat deriving from animals slaughtered in accordance with the Islamic Law.

‘Halaal-certified’ refers to products which have been endorsed as Halaal by a credible Islamic body (third-party certification). Often times, Halaal certification involves a series of steps including ingredient verification, inspection/audit and approval by committee. In general, all Halaal-certified products are Halaal, but not all Halaal products are Halaal-certified.

2. Is fresh vegetable, which comes into direct contact with pork, still considered as Halaal?

Fresh vegetable in its natural form is Halaal. However, when it comes into direct contact with pork, or any non-halaal items the vegetable becomes non-Halaal due to contamination that occurred .

3. Are stores, which do not possess the Halaal certificate, allowed to sell Halaal food?

In general, any store can sell Halaal food. However, if owners of the stores want to claim, through verbal or written means, that they sell Halaal food, they must obtain Halaal certification and/or prior permission from Halaal Foundation of South Africa
In order to conform to all rules and regulations.

4. For hotels with Halaal certified kitchen

Ask the hotel personnel to fax a copy of the Halaal certificate for verification purpose or the contact details for the certifying body in your area.

For hotels without Halaal certified kitchen

to engage its Halaal services will be a challenge as there is no
proof of halaal certification and the processes of meals being prepared
in accordance to Islamic Dietary rules and regulations .

5. Does a Muslim-owned eating establishment require Halaal certification from Halaal Foundation of South Africa ?

In general, Halaal certification is voluntary in South Africa. Owners of eating establishments, Muslims and non-Muslims alike, are advised to obtain Halaal certification as this provides an independent testimony and assurance that the food they serve are strictly Halaal.

6. Where can I find the listing of Halaal certified premises in South Africa ?

Visit our website. ( Under Construction )

7. How can I obtain the listing of Halaal-certified premises overseas?
You can contact any relevant Islamic person and/or Halaal-certifying body in the country for assistance .

8. Is outside food not allowed into Halaal-certified eating establishment?
Outside food is generally not allowed into any eating establishment, including the Halaal-certified ones.

9. What is ‘Halaal-certified product?
‘Halaal-certified’ refers to products which have been endorsed as Halaal by a credible Islamic body.

Often times, Halaal certification involves a series of steps including ingredient verification, inspection/audit and approval by committee. In general, all Halaal-certified products are Halaal, but not all Halaal products are Halaal-certified.

10. How can we ensure that a product is Halaal?
You may follow these guidelines:

i) Look out for a Halaal certification mark on the product packaging. Products with a Halaal mark from a credible Islamic body are generally safe for Muslim consumption.

ii) Examine the ingredient listing. Do avoid products which contain non-Halaal and/or doubtful ingredients. You may wish to refer to Halaal Foundation of South Africa website for the status listing of ingredients.

11. What is Halaal food?
‘Halaal’ is Arabic word which means lawful or permissible. Any food or drink which falls under this category is permitted for Muslim consumption. Examples of Halaal food include vegetables, spices and meat deriving from animals slaughtered in accordance with the Islamic Law.

12. What is Halaal certification?
‘Halaal certification’ is an award of endorsement given by a credible Islamic body to attest that a product/service is suitable for Muslim consumption/use.

13. How do I ensure that a product is Halaal-certified?
In order to do so, you may wish to follow these guidelines:

1. Look out for a Halaal certification mark on the product.
2. Enquire the product manufacturer & ask for a valid copy of its Halaal certificate.
3. Check with the Islamic body which owns the Halaal certification mark as reflected on the product packaging.

14. Why must Muslims consume Halaal food?

Muslims consume Halaal food due to these reasons:

1. It is a religious obligation for Muslims to eat nothing but Halaal food
2. Muslims believe that their religious deeds will not be accepted should they consume non-Halaal foods.
3. Muslims believe that they will incur the wrath of God should they resort to the consumption of non-Halaal food.