With the ever-increasing popularity of halal food in the UK, an increasing number of diners want to know what ingredients make food permissible (halal) or forbidden (haram) under Islamic dietary laws. It is important to learn the distinction between halal and haram not only to observe it religiously but also to be ethical and health-wise. Whether you’re dining out at a fast-food restaurant, a casual dining restaurant, or cooking at home, being aware of the ingredients that are halal and which are haram can help you make better food choices.
We are very proud to have a fully halal menu at Legends Burgers, which is clear on its sourcing and preparation. We follow the halal guidelines to the letter, and this means that all our meals are not only tasty but also prepared ethically according to the precepts of Islam. Okay, so what is halal and haram food? Why is ingredient awareness important, and what should you be on the lookout for when you go out to eat?
What Does Halal Mean?
The word halal is an Arabic term which means permissible or lawful. Halal in the food context refers to what is permissible or acceptable according to Islamic principles and law (sharia). This includes the kind of food that is eaten as well as the way it is cooked and processed. Halal standards are based on both the Quran and the Hadith (sayings of Prophet Muhammad) and encompass all foodstuffs, drinks and even non-food such as gelatin. Most halal products are certified halal by trusted organisations and food industry boards.
Halal food is also concerned with cleanliness, ethical origin, and animal welfare. These rules stipulate that the manner in which animals are slaughtered and prepared needs to be in line with the Islamic guidelines in order to be considered halal. To put it briefly, halal is not only a diet but a way of life based on religious adherence and ethical conduct.
What Does Haram Mean?
Unlike halal, the Arabic term haram translates to mean forbidden or prohibited. It is applied to foods and ingredients which are strictly prohibited by Islamic law. Eating haram food is a sin, and it may be spiritually detrimental. Pork, alcohol, and the meat of animals that are not slaughtered in accordance with Islamic rules are common examples of haram foods.
However, not all haram ingredients are so apparent. As an example, some food additives, enzymes or emulsifiers may be of animal origin that is not slaughtered according to the rules or of non-halal origin, so even eating seemingly harmless food can be a haram act.
Common Haram Ingredients to Watch Out For
It is important to know the common haram ingredients when making food choices. These are some of the most common ingredients that Muslims should avoid, along with the reasons why they are considered haram:
Pork & Pork Derivatives
Islam has declared pork universally haram. This ban is not only on the meat but also on the pork-based products like lard, bacon bits, and any processed food that has pork derivatives. Islamic teachings consider pork impure and, hence, any food prepared using pork is also forbidden. Common examples include bacon, sausages, ham, and pork gelatin.
Alcohol/Ethanol
Islam prohibits alcohol not only as a beverage but also in food. This is in the form of alcohol in sauces, extracts and desserts. Even minute traces of alcohol, even when used in cooking, like wine in a sauce, are haram. This includes ingredients like wine, beer, some vanilla extracts, and sauces with alcohol.
Non-Halal Meat
Halal meat requires that the animal from which the meat is obtained must have been slaughtered following the Islamic requirements. This involves that the animal should be slaughtered by a Muslim who should recite the right prayers, and the animal should be alive during slaughter. The meat of animals slaughtered in the wrong manner or animals that are dead prior to slaughtering is haram. This can include halal meats like chicken, beef or lamb that are not slaughtered following Islamic practices.
Enzymes (Rennet)
Rennet is a cheese-making enzyme that is frequently derived from animal stomachs. When the rennet is obtained from a non-halal animal such as a pig, the cheese obtained is haram. But rennet that has been certified as halal, either by slaughtering an animal in a way that is acceptable to Islam, or by microbial sources, is acceptable.
Gelatin
Gelatin is widely used in most processed foods, candy and desserts. Gelatin in most of these products is usually pork-based. The gelatin can render a product haram unless specifically labelled as halal. Gelatin is typically used in soft sweets like gummy bears, marshmallows, jellies, and even in some yoghurts.
E-Numbers & Additives
Some food additives, especially E-numbers, may be haram. As an example, E120 (carmine) is a red colouring agent that is derived from insects and E441 (gelatin) is usually of pork origin unless otherwise stated. When eating processed foods, it is necessary to read labels.
Cross-Contamination Risks
Cross-contamination may also occur in restaurants and fast food stores where halal and non-halal foods are prepared in the same fryer or a common area. Although a certain ingredient may be halal, it may become haram due to contamination by the use of common utensils, fryers, or preparation surfaces.
How Legends Burgers Keeps It 100% Halal
At Legends Burgers, we strive to deliver our customers tasty, fully halal food that complies with the highest standards of Islamic dietary regulations. As a halal food business, we take providing our customers with tasty, halal meals. This is how we make sure that all our menu items are halal:
- Halal-approved suppliers: All of our meat and ingredients are supplied by halal-certified suppliers, and all of our products are not only legal but also ethically sourced.
- No pork, alcohol, or questionable additives: Our kitchen is free from pork, alcohol, and other non-halal ingredients. All our products are carefully vetted to ensure they are halal.
- Special preparation procedures: We also have special preparation areas so that there is no cross-contamination and all food served is halal. We have trained our staff on halal compliance and maintain high hygiene standards.
Our philosophy is to bring transparency to every bite to our customers, and you can be assured that every bite you take at Legends is halal, fresh, and packed with flavour.
Enjoy Guaranteed Halal Food at Legends Burgers
Halal food is not only about meat, but all ingredients, including sauces, sides, and the preparation and handling of food. By making informed decisions about the ingredients you eat, you can ensure that your food aligns with Islamic values, leading to both physical and spiritual health.
Legends Burgers is pleased to offer halal food that is transparent and consistent in all of our meals. Whether it’s a delicious burger or a dessert, you can be sure that all our dishes are prepared with care and respect for halal principles.
Love halal, fresh and flavour-packed food? Locate your nearest Legends Burgers!
FAQs: Halal Ingredients
Q: Is cheese halal?
Not necessarily. Non-halal rennet can be used to make cheese, and this rennet is derived from animals that have not been slaughtered according to the Islamic standards. Whenever you want to buy cheese, always seek one that has been made using either halal-certified rennet or microbial rennet.
Q: Is it possible to mix halal meat with non-halal meat in the preparation?
No, there is no such thing as mixing halal and non-halal meat, because cross-contamination renders the halal food impure. It is necessary to have separate utensils, storage and cooking procedures for halal foods in restaurants and kitchens.
Q: Are sauces such as BBQ, sweet chilli or mayo halal?
This is dependent on the ingredients. Other BBQ sauces can have alcohol or other non-halal products, such as gelatin made of pork. All our sauces are halal at Legends Burgers, so that you can consume them with no concerns.
Q: Is every chicken halal when it is in a UK supermarket?
Not every chicken is halal. To be considered halal, chicken should be slaughtered under the Islamic law. Look out for halal certification or buy your chicken through a reputable halal-certified supplier.
