Prof. Dr. Mehmet Ali Kaşlıoğlu (Expert in Food and Nutrition Sciences)
Muslims who are sensitive to religious matters have historically been particular about their food and drinks, always searching for Halal-certified foods (HZL). However, for those who have made religious living conditions a part of their lifestyle, difficulties have arisen in the last 30-50 years. As a result, they have been on a quest for such foods and found themselves living in a world full of doubts. Constant uncertainties arose regarding whether certain carbonated drinks contained alcohol, whether the meat was clean and slaughtered according to Islamic rules, and whether the food contained pig-derived fat, gelatin, etc. People from all walks of life have been closely involved in this issue, and communities, foundations, and associations have developed their own solutions. However, these solutions could not reach the broader society. Each manufacturer and consumer, each foundation and association dealing with the issue, formed its own food commissions and continued its work in this way. In Turkey, although such movements had existed earlier, they became more pronounced in the 1970s.
It is the most natural right of consumers to demand the elimination of uncertainties when they are unsure about product selection in order to make the correct decision. In addition to essential criteria such as hygiene, safety, quality, and purity of food, conditions that require adherence to their religious beliefs are also demanded. For this reason, the consumer wants to see a system that confirms that the food aligns with their religious belief system. A system that certifies that all consumer goods, especially food, align with religious beliefs, builds trust among consumers.
While it is clear for many products whether they are halal or haram, there are also some products that are not clear and are considered doubtful or questionable. Certification is required for these products. For these doubtful products, the raw materials and sources, as well as the processing methods of the additives used, must be well-known. Halal certification is a method that includes verifying the production by a valid, competent, and impartial institution, confirming that production is in compliance with Halal standards, and issuing an approved document.
Humans want to shape their life or lifestyle according to their belief system and religious obligations (regardless of their religious belief). A believing Muslim strives to live their life in accordance with the belief system as decreed by Allah in the Quran. In the meaning of life, this is the most important emphasis. In the Quran, the Almighty Allah announces in many verses that He is the legislator every time and that His servants must believe in Him. Disorderliness, aimlessness, refusal to accept life, the belief in the need for individual and social rules, and determining a life philosophy from this reason, to accept or not accept one's authority, are qualities inherent to humans. A person determines their Halal and Haram either by themselves or by believing in the Creator and proceeding with their life according to His commandments and recommendations. The topic here is the second group, those who wish to live their life according to the Creator's recommendations. If this is the case, the pure gifts that Allah (c.c.) has declared halal cannot be made haram, and what is declared haram cannot be considered halal.
The Importance of Halal-certified Food
Muslims primarily believe that the reason for their existence in this world and their presence in the countries they live in is to live in accordance with the lifestyle required by Allah. In this case, people—especially Muslims sensitive to religious matters—want to know whether the things they eat and drink are halal and pure, and act accordingly, whether in the countries where they live predominantly or even in a country where they are a minority. This is a human and Islamic right. Not every food produced and brought to the market in Turkey may be halal and pure. Consuming halal food is a requirement of the Islamic faith. Protecting the soul, property, life, and offspring is only possible with halal sustenance. Everything starts with halal food.
Pork, dead animals, blood, animals slaughtered in the name of anyone other than Allah, animals that suffocated, fell from a height, were killed by horns, or torn apart by a predator, as well as animals slaughtered on erected stones, are forbidden. In processed foods, it is not enough to write "contains no pork" on the food packaging to confirm that it is halal. This is because the forbidden food is not only pork. The meat of animals that have not been slaughtered according to religious rules, as well as the meat of many animals like dogs, cats, wolves, and mice, are also not halal. It is not enough to write "contains no alcohol" on the packaging of beverages. Like food, beverages must also be free of harmful and haram substances in such quantities that their color, taste, and smell are detectable, in order to be halal. While for many products, it is very clear whether they are halal or haram, there are also some products that are not clear. These varieties are considered doubtful or questionable, and more information is required to classify them as halal or haram. In this case, the products are considered questionable and doubtful regarding certification. For these doubtful products, it is especially important to know the source and, in particular, the source of the additives used.
Much of what is not explicitly halal or haram exists in a doubtful state. It is necessary to avoid doubtful things. Those who guard themselves from doubts are protected religiously and must rise to the highest level. This means that the beginning of encountering Allah, in other words, becoming a Wali, lies in avoiding doubts. Considering that doubtful foods may lead to Haram, utmost caution is required. Today, there are many doubtful matters where Muslims may fear accepting them as halal.
Additives, the origins of which are not known to have been consumed or slaughtered according to Islamic customs, or whether they have been treated with alcohol despite being plant-based, are also considered doubtful. For doubtful products, it is particularly important to know the raw materials and, especially, the source of the additives used. Additives are also used for coloring, flavor enhancement, or increasing the nutritional value of foods. However, additives can be used under certain rules and standards. These issues are not of much interest to the business owner. Such foods belong to the group of doubtful foods for religious consumers. However, the source, production methods, and halal status of these additives cannot be fully recognized by the consumers.
The Halal Food Problem in Europe
As is known, for Muslims, the slaughtering of animals according to Halal and for Jews, according to "Kosher," it is required that the animals be conscious. In the Netherlands and many other European countries, animals were stunned in slaughterhouses before being slaughtered, but Muslim and Jewish butchers were exempted from this practice due to religious freedom and performed the slaughter according to their religion. After the ban, the activities of slaughterhouses and butchers performing Halal and Kosher slaughters were restricted, and only as much slaughter was allowed as was sufficient for Muslims and Jews in the Netherlands. Therefore, it seems that Muslims in the Netherlands will soon begin importing Halal slaughtered meat from Belgium and Germany or relocate their slaughterhouses there.
