Halal is an Arabic word meaning lawful or permissible.
Muslims around the world, as part of their religious belief, are extremely concerned that the food they eat and the products they use are ‘Halal,’ rejecting anything containing or contaminated with alcohol or pork as ‘Haram’ (not permissible).
Towards this end, they carefully examine the ingredients of products before buying them.
If there is any suspicion of ‘haram ’ ingredients, most Muslims will avoid the purchase of such items. Besides the ingredients, it is also the process of manufacture that makes a particular item ‘haram’ for Muslims.
To help Muslims determine whether a product is ‘Halal’ or otherwise, there are several Islamic organisations across the world certifying such products. The critical factors considered, but not necessarily restricted to, in assessing the Halal nature of a product differs from product to product.
As part of its objective to help Muslims of New Zealand as well as around the world, the Wellington based Federation of Islamic Associations (Fianz) undertakes to certify food and non-food items as well as restaurants and eateries as ‘Halal.’ This certification validates such food items as being permissible for Muslims.
Besides having exclusive ‘Halal’ certifying rights for all New Zealand meat exported to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait, the federation’s Halal certificates are also accepted in all other countries where NZ products are exported.
Source: The Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand, Wellington
