What does Halal mean? You’ve probably heard this word before, especially in reference to Halal meat, but what do you really know about Halal food? The word “Halal” comes from Arabic and means “permissible” or “lawful.”
In the context of food, it refers to the food that meets the requirements set by Islamic law, known as Sharia.
Halal meat is a type of meat that meets these standards, and it’s important to note that it is consumed not only by Muslims but also by people from other religions and cultures due to its quality and food safety.

Halal Food: Quality and Diversity
Halal food is produced following strict hygiene practices and undergoes regular quality
controls to ensure freshness and authenticity. Moreover, these foods offer a wide
variety of options, including beef, lamb, chicken, and turkey, as well as processed
meats such as sausages, chopped meat, Mortadella, or chorizo. All these meat
products must come from animals slaughtered according to Halal practices.
Halal Slaughter: Requirements and Practices
For an animal to be slaughtered according to Halal rites, it must meet certain
requirements and undergo specific steps:

  • It must be an animal permitted for consumption according to Islamic principles.
    In general, land animals and birds, such as cattle, sheep, goats, poultry
    (chicken, turkey, duck), and some fish, are considered Halal.
  • The animal must be in good health and have been fed an appropriate diet, free
    from forbidden substances such as pork derivatives. They should be raised in
    the healthiest way possible, without hormones or additives.
  • Halal slaughter must be performed by a competent Muslim who pronounces
    the name of Allah during the act.
  • Measures are taken during the process to ensure that the animal does not
    suffer unnecessarily. It must be treated with care and humanity before the
    slaughter, provided with a calm environment, and ensured well-being.
  • During the slaughter, a swift and precise cut is made to the throat to minimize
    pain and suffering for the animal.
  • The blood of the animal must be fully drained after slaughter, as consuming
    blood is not permitted in Halal food.

The Importance of Halal Certification
To ensure that a product is truly Halal, it is essential to have the corresponding
certification. Obtaining this certification involves a rigorous process that guarantees
compliance with Islamic standards. Halal authorities, both governmental and private,
conduct thorough inspections and analyses to ensure that the food meets the
established requirements. Therefore, Halal certification is considered a seal of quality
and trust for Muslim consumers.

The Halal Label: A Guarantee of Compliance
When a food product carries the Halal label, it means that it has met all the Islamic
regulations throughout its production, from the raw materials to processing,
packaging, and distribution. This label provides consumers with the reassurance that
they are purchasing a product that adheres to Islamic standards and has been verified
by competent authorities.
In conclusion, Halal food refers to products that meet the requirements set by Islamic
law, offering quality and food safety to both Muslim consumers and those from other
cultures and religions. Halal meat, in particular, is obtained through specific slaughter
practices that prioritize animal welfare. Halal certification plays a crucial role in
ensuring the authenticity of Halal products, providing confidence and peace of mind to
Muslim consumers and all those concerned about the quality and origin of their food.

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