Muslims follow specific dietary guidelines based on their religious beliefs. Not all types of food are permissible to consume. In fact, some are strictly prohibited.
Foods that are allowed under Islamic law are referred to as halal. There are certain categories and criteria that Muslims use to determine whether a food is halal.
In this post, we will explain what halal food is and how to identify it, especially when shopping or eating out.
What is Halal Food in Islam?
Halal is an Arabic word meaning permitted or authorized under Islamic law. In Islamic terms, it also means that it is permissible according to Islamic rules.
Logo labels are often found on food and beverages. The presence of a halal mark on food and beverages will give Muslims greater peace of mind when consuming them.
In the context of food, halal refers to substances that are permissible under Islamic law. Certain foods are strictly prohibited under Muslim law, including:
- Pork and its derivatives
- Carnivorous animals
- Birds of prey
- Amphibians
- Blood products
- Alcoholic beverages
A food product is considered halal if its ingredients are derived from halal sources.
In this context, both the origin of the ingredients and the way they are processed and handled play a crucial role in determining the halal status of the final product.
On the other hand, if a food or beverage contains non-halal ingredients, it will not be eligible for halal certification, and a halal logo will not be displayed on the packaging.
Read More: What are Non-Halal Ingredients? A Useful Guide for Businesses
Common Examples of Halal Food
Halal food must meet specific criteria, not contain anything that is prohibited under Islamic law.
In some cases, animals must be slaughtered in a prescribed manner, using a sharp knife while invoking the name of Allah. This process is known as zabiha.
Additionally, halal food must be prepared and handled in a clean and hygienic environment, following strict cleanliness standards.
Below are some common categories of halal food:
Halal Meat and Poultry
Meat and poultry are only considered halal if they come from halal animals (such as cattle, chickens, sheep, goats, and camels) and are slaughtered using the zabiha method.
The animal must also be healthy at the time of slaughter, and the blood must be completely drained from the veins.
Seafood
Islamic scholars generally agree that seafood is considered halal, regardless of how it is caught. This includes fish such as salmon, tuna, and cod, as well as other sea creatures like shrimp, crab, and lobster.
Plant-Based Foods
All plant-based foods, such as fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, and legumes, are naturally halal as long as they are not contaminated with prohibited substances during processing or packaging.
These include fresh fruits and vegetables, rice, wheat, and grains, lentils, beans, chickpeas, spices, and herbs.
Dairy and Processed Foods
Dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt are considered halal as long as they do not contain non-halal enzymes (e.g., pepsin from pigs) or flavorings with added alcohol.
They must also be free from gelatin derived from non-zabiha animals.
Read More: Is Cultivated Meat Halal?
How to Identify Halal Food?
The easiest way to identify halal food is by checking whether the product has a halal logo. These logos are also commonly found in restaurants.
However, not all countries require products to display a halal logo. In many cases, it is only mandatory when a product claims to be halal, in which case it must undergo a halal certification process.
Countries like Indonesia require halal certification for all food and beverage products, as well as medicine and cosmetics, before they can be traded.
Once the certifying body issues the halal certificate, companies are allowed to place the halal logo on their products.
Including a halal logo is essential for Muslim consumers. It carries important meaning, such as:
- Protecting Muslim consumers from unintentionally consuming non-halal products.
- Ensuring transparency and building trust in the products available in the market.
For businesses looking to expand into the Muslim market, understanding halal is crucial. Halal is not only about avoiding pork or its derivatives. There are many other aspects to consider.
To deepen your understanding of halal requirements, our program offers comprehensive guidance on the halal concept. It also helps you prepare your business to meet compliance standards and provides valuable insights into the halal industry.
To learn more, visit our program: Halal Capability Development.
Reference:
- Sriboga. Accessed 2025. What Is Halal Food? Why Is It So Important in Indonesia?
- Halal Food Council USA. Accessed 2025. Halal vs. Haram: What Foods Are Prohibited In Islam?
- ISAHALAL. Accessed 2025. How to Read a Halal Food Label: What to Look for and Avoid
