The topic of halal food in South Africa is actively discussed both online and offline, following a viral TikTok video asking, 'Why are we given halal food?', which claimed that South Africans are being forced to consume halal food.
To address the questions raised in this video (and any other questions people might be afraid to ask), a detailed analysis was conducted on what halal food is and how it differs.
TikTok user Sokhana Saliwa noted in her video that 'almost everything,' including vegetables and staple foods, has a halal certificate. She expressed concern that '97% of people do not believe in Allah; most of us worship and see Jesus Christ as God, so my question is why are we selling and giving food that is offered to a God in whom we do not believe? Why does the South African government allow a Christian nation to eat food prepared in ways we do not believe in?'
She also observed that restaurants often have halal certification, suggesting they cater to a religious minority. These concerns are valid, and a detailed breakdown of the situation follows.
What does halal mean and what makes a product halal?
Halal is an Arabic word meaning permissible or lawful. In Islam, it refers to what is permitted according to Islamic law, including foods and beverages that Muslims can consume.
The most well-known aspect is the requirements for a halal diet, which prohibit certain foods and ingredients, such as pork and its derivatives. According to Islamic dietary rules, alcohol is also forbidden, and meat must meet specific requirements regarding its source and method of slaughter.
The most crucial aspect of halal food relates to meat and the slaughtering process. The method of animal slaughter must comply with specific Islamic prescriptions, which include uttering the name of Allah, which is not equivalent to sacrificing to Allah. A sharp knife must also be used to sever the animal's throat to ensure the death is as humane and painless as possible, which is believed to minimize animal suffering.
The slaughtered animal and the tools used must meet strict hygiene and sanitation standards. The animal must be healthy at the time of slaughter, without any prior diseases or defects that could render the meat unhealthy or impure. Furthermore, blood must be completely drained from the body, as consuming blood is strictly forbidden in Islam.
It is important to note that halal food extends beyond just meat; it covers a wide range of food and beverages, including grains, fruits, vegetables, and processed goods.
Halal certification aims to give Muslim consumers confidence that a product, dining establishment, or production process complies with relevant Islamic dietary requirements. According to the South African National Halal Authority (SANHA), certification involves assessing the compliance of products and businesses with its halal standards, and its certification program includes monitoring and audits. Certification can apply to individual products, food production processes, restaurants, and other establishments. It should also be noted that it is not limited to meat or restaurant food, leading to the next point.
Why are vegetables and everyday products certified as halal?
One claim in the viral video is that even basic products, including vegetables, have a halal certificate. However, the presence of a halal logo does not mean the vegetable was slaughtered or that every product underwent a religious ritual.
Many staple foods, including drinking water, are naturally permissible under Islamic dietary rules, almost like a default setting. Formal certification is a separate process that ensures the product or its production meets applicable standards. Certification can also extend to fresh and processed plant-based products. For example, the Emirates International Accreditation Centre catalog lists SANHA accreditation for the processing of fresh fruits and vegetables.
For industrial products, certification may involve checking ingredients, suppliers, production methods, and the possibility of cross-contamination with prohibited substances. Some ingredients used in processed foods may require additional assessment because their source or production process is not obvious to consumers. This means a product can be certified to assure Muslim consumers even if it does not contain meat.
It is also important to distinguish between a naturally permissible product and one that has official certification. The halal logo is not mandatory for every product that is permissible for Muslims to consume.
Does halal food mean it is sacrificed to Allah?
Another issue raised links halal certification to the belief that all certified food is sacrificed to Allah. This is not the same thing. Halal is a broader dietary concept covering ingredients, products, and food preparation. Specific religious requirements apply to meat and its slaughter, but this does not mean that every certified product has been sacrificed or subjected to a religious ceremony.
For instance, vegetables, grains, and many other plant-based products do not require animal slaughter for production. Again, the purpose of certification is to establish whether the product or process meets applicable halal requirements. This is related to the peace of mind of Muslim consumers and has nothing to do with defining or influencing the religious beliefs of the person who ultimately buys or consumes the product.
Are South Africans forced to eat halal food?
The widespread availability of certified halal products itself does not imply that South Africans are forced to eat them. Certification bodies, such as SANHA and the Muslim Judicial Council Halaal Trust, provide certification and monitoring services for businesses wishing to demonstrate compliance with halal requirements. Businesses may seek certification to serve Muslim customers, meet market demands, or make their products available to consumers who require a halal guarantee.
It should also be noted that the existence of a certification logo should not be confused with a government mandate that all consumers must eat that product. Consumers who do not require halal certification can independently decide what to buy and eat based on the products available to them.
Why are so many restaurants certified as halal?
Restaurants may seek halal certification to assure Muslim customers that their food meets appropriate dietary requirements. The certification process can go beyond checking whether pork or alcohol is in the menu. Depending on the certification scheme and scope, it may also include assessing ingredients, suppliers, cooking methods, and measures to prevent contact with prohibited substances. The Muslim Judicial Council Halaal Trust lists dining establishments, including restaurants and cafes, among the categories it certifies and monitors. For a restaurant, certification can facilitate the choice of a dining spot for Muslim customers with confidence. It can also be a business decision to reach a wider customer base. The presence of a halal certificate itself does not mean that a restaurant is trying to impose Islamic religious practices on non-believing customers. Whether a specific restaurant serves only halal food or has separate arrangements for different products depends on its actual practice and certification.
