January 13, 2019

Halal Food: Conception, Misconceptions and Certification


Halal means permissible in the Islamic religion and it defines what is appropriate for Muslims in their day-to-day activities. Foods that are forbidden include certain animals, alcohol and other intoxicants, blood meal, and meals prepared in ways that negate the tenets of halal.  Most foods are halal except otherwise stated. This article intends to expand our horizon about halal food and resolve some of the misconceptions. It is interesting that many cultures practice food processing methods that resemble the steps in halal even though it is hidden. There are similarities among halal, kosher, and foods that are non-taboo or culturally appropriate in certain cultures.


Halal Akawie cheese, Middle Eastern white brine cheese at Ammar Halal Meats
A percentage of halal

When we started our research about asymmetric information in the halal food market, we thought it will be a straightforward process. We learned that some people consume halal because it is expected of them, but they don’t know the benefits. Others consume presumed halal food without necessarily ascertaining whether the production is consistently halal. It is also important to emphasize that most people are unaware of the health benefits of halal food and the halal requirement that livestock are treated humanely. This assumes that those who produce the halal food follow the stipulated standards. Globally, people try as much as possible to be inclusive by making sure their food is halal. This is an indication of the relevance of the minority rule. The Mutooro people and other sub-groups in Uganda have very few Muslims but they usually invite a Muslim to say a prayer before an animal is slaughtered. This is expected to make ceremonies such as weddings, burials and birthdays inclusive. There is a misconception here because an animal slaughtered by people of the book, Jews, Christians and Muslims, are acceptable as halal (Quran chapter 5, v5; Regenstein, 2003). But since most people are unaware it is better to get a Muslim to slaughter the animal in a humane way.  Commercial meats, especially beef, are slaughtered by Muslims, for example, in Uganda, Kenya, and Nigeria. (It’s a family business and people are taught how to slaughter animals at a very tender age. The process is partly cultural partly halal).

Moreover, the Maasai people ensure that the blood of a slaughtered animal is well drained (consistent with kosher and halal) before they start the skinning, but they drink the blood or process it as seen with the Oromos of East Africa. Blood is not permissible under the tenets of halal. An indication that animals raised on blood meal and slaughter house waste are not halal. It is also interesting that the Ijebu people of western Nigeria will make sure that the animal faces the east before it is slaughtered. They go a step further by adding salt to the throat of the slaughtered to ensure that the animal’s blood is well drained – a step that makes the process closer to kosher in terms of removal of blood. It doesn’t matter what they believe, the common knowledge is that meat processed in this manner tastes better and shelf life is extended.

The standards posited under halal are not entirely peculiar to halal. Some of the standards are like kosher and other cultural taboos worldwide. For example, there is an adage  by the Yorubas of Nigeria and West Africa which states that “Aki ipa igun, a ki i je igun, a ki i fi igun bori” – (one does not kill the vulture; one does not eat the vulture; one does not offer the vulture as a sacrifice to one's head). In the Yoruba culture, vultures are not acceptable as an edible meat. They are also forbidden under the Islamic jurisprudence.

Some misconceptions

There are many health benefits of halal food consumption, but people don’t seem to discern it.  Some animals are prohibited because they are disease vectors, draining of blood will remove toxins, carrions are dangerous to human, intoxicants affect our gumption – negative impact on our judgement, and the process if followed avoid contamination during food production. There are also similarities between halal and kosher although alcohol is forbidden in halal but not under kosher. Grasshopper is the only visible insects permissible in kosher while insects are neutral in halal. Camel is halal but non-kosher. The halal process also stipulates that animals should be treated humanely, slaughtering should not be done in front of other livestock and stress should be reduced to a minimum. Halal is sustainable because livestock are not supposed to be raised on slaughter waste, blood meal or any kind of filthy feed. Hand slaughter is the best, but some scholars allow machine slaughter because of mass production. The issue of stunning is also controversial. Even though some scholars support stunning there are practical challenges with its use in slaughter houses. Some animals are still alive and stunning may not necessarily lead to sudden death. With hand slaughter the cutting of three out of the four passages, carotids, oesophagus, jugular veins, and trachea, of the throat with a sharp knife will lead to sudden death (Regenstein 2003, direct observation).

Asymmetric information

Imperfect information is present in most markets, homogenous or heterogeneous, and that is why people may end up purchasing a “lemon”. It is prevalent because the bad will crowd out the good when sellers have more information than the buyers, especially in the presence of a budget constraint. In other words, cheap becomes expensive in the long run. The level of asymmetric information (LAI), a measure of opacity, can be reduced by moving the market from a state of imperfect information towards perfect information. In the halal food market, the level of asymmetric information can be resolved by adequate consumer education, third party monitoring by certifying bodies regulated by the government, crypto-labelling (authenticity, transparency, and transparency enhanced via blockchain), and workable and desirable regulations that guarantees food safety. 

Lamb Loin Chops at Arabesque Restaurant

As we explore the food market, we have discovered that reduction of LAI translates to authentic food. This implies that opacity and food authenticity are inversely related. Highly opaque "food" may in fact be made up of very little agricultural produce (understood to be the traditional source of food) and contain a high degree of artificial, chemically-modified, processed ingredients which results in an industrial food-like substance or food substitute. Extra-ecological commodities associated with mono-culture, possibly genetically modified and of dubious nutritional value.[1] Opacity is a challenge in the food market including halal because of the points below:

1.      It is difficult to monitor the activities of the producers, processors, and marketers – Moral Hazard.

2.      More complex in big organizations because the interest of the managers (agent) are not necessarily the objectives of the owners (principal) – Principal-Agent Problem.

3.      Low quality foods are cheaper; thus, consumers will buy because of their budget constraints – Adverse Selection.

4.      Logo and the certification process may be compromised – Signalling is not necessarily a panacea.



The power of minority

A farming couple from Windsor, Ontario once told me “Halal is not a niche market because we all eat shawarma”. Some people from non-Muslim backgrounds are willing to pay a premium because of their appreciation of the health benefits of authentic halal food.  Economist Nassim Taleb (e.g. Skin in the Game) also alluded to the fact that halal may become mainstream.  A stubborn minority can make a significant impact and influence the decision of the majority. We have seen cases where party organizers will cook only halal chicken and avoid pork because two out of the twenty people on the guest list eat only halal. It seems there will be an increase in the demand for halal food in the future.

There is an adage in the Yoruba culture that states that “Bi oni ti ri, ola ki ri be, li o mu ki Babalawo ma da Ifa ororun (Today’s situation is not the same as tomorrow, so the Babalawo consults the oracle every five days)”. This indicates that change is the only thing that is constant. Even though the future is difficult to predict, halal food may become mainstream because of our love for shawarma, the minority rule and food safety.  



*Special thanks to Warsame Warsame, Christine Kajumba, Richard Bankole, Jeremiah Saringe, Wondimu Gashaw, and Dan Maitland.



Bibliography:

Regenstein J. M., Chaudry M. M., and Regenstein C. E. (2003). The Kosher and Halal Food Laws. Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety 2:111-127.

Taleb, N.N. (2018). Skin in the Game: Hidden Asymmetries in Daily Life. New York: Allen Lane.



Bamidele Adekunle, ECVOntario, SEDRD, University of Guelph



[1] This explanation is based on a comment I received from Dan Maitland the first time he saw the framework.

75 comments:

  1. Great job! Interestingly articulated. I enjoyed reading the application of asymmetric information as well as the power to minority to the halal food landscape, especially in this age of health consciousness.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Very interesting. I recall seeing Halal, not only on animal products but also on packaging of Milo and Noodles back in Nigeria, asking questions and getting answers like it being a government requirement for some countries. Thank you for raising the awareness Prof., people out there who care about healthy eating need to read this.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much. Please would it be possible to get the photos of Milo and Noodles (and the countries of origin) as stated in your comments? Thanks again and best regards.

      Delete
  3. Nice post. I learn something totally new and challenging on sites .

    Halal Certification

    ReplyDelete
  4. Good day. I was impressed with your article. Keep it up . You can also visit my site if you have time. Thank you and Bless you always.

    Sertifikasi HALAL

    ReplyDelete
  5. Great reading and extremely comprehensive post. much covers everything

    Halal Certification

    ReplyDelete
  6. I am one of those people that will plan a party meal around the nutritional needs of all involved. It's only polite!

    ReplyDelete
  7. I believe there are many more pleasurable opportunities ahead for individuals that looked at your site

    Halal Certification

    ReplyDelete
  8. Very helpful Post!!! This is the first time I have read a post like this. Find Career tips here.

    Kosher Certification

    ReplyDelete
  9. Is really useful information. Great article!
    Get more details @ HALLAL Certification

    ReplyDelete
  10. Great article about the Halal Certification. and you explain all the details very well can you please also provide the information about HALAL Consultancy in UAE.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Good day. I was impressed with your article. Thanks for sharing.
    Halal Certification

    ReplyDelete
  12. Thank you so much for sharing this great blog. Very inspiring and helpful too.


    Halal Certification Egypt

    ReplyDelete
  13. The information on this blog is very useful and very interesting


    Halal Certification

    ReplyDelete
  14. Thanks for give me this information really this product is very effective.

    kosher certification

    ReplyDelete
  15. Hi there! great post. Thanks for sharing some very interesting and informative content it is a big help to me as well, keep it up!!!
    Kosher Certification

    ReplyDelete
  16. My cousin recommended this blog and she was totally right keep up the fantastic work!

    halal certification

    ReplyDelete
  17. very nice blogs!!! i have to learning for lot of information for this sites...Sharing for wonderful information.Thanks for sharing this valuable information to our vision. You have posted a trust worthy blog keep sharing.

    iso 9001 certification 2015

    ReplyDelete
  18. very nice blogs!!! i have to learning for lot of information for this sites...Sharing for wonderful information.Thanks for sharing this valuable information to our vision. You have posted a trust worthy blog keep sharing.


    ethical hacking training malaysia

    ReplyDelete
  19. This is really an awesome article. Thank you for sharing this.It is worth reading for everyone.

    erp malaysia

    ReplyDelete
  20. This is really an awesome article. Thank you for sharing this.It is worth reading for everyone.

    <a href="https://ias-indonesia.org/sertifikasi-iso-9001-2015>sertifikasi iso 9001 jakarta</a>

    ReplyDelete
  21. This is really an awesome article. Thank you for sharing this.It is worth reading for everyone.

    sertifikasi iso 9001 jakarta

    ReplyDelete
  22. Awesome blog. I enjoyed reading your articles. Thank you for providing such information. Checkout here for more info about.
    Halal Certification saudi arabia

    ReplyDelete
  23. Great post.I'm glad to see people are still interested of Article.Thank you for an interesting read.......

    kosher certification

    ReplyDelete
  24. Thank you so much for this wonderful article really! ...
    Kosher Certification

    ReplyDelete
  25. very interesting and good information, nice to read!! Continue posting such good blogs

    kosher certification

    ReplyDelete
  26. Nice post! It is really very helpful for us. If anyone want to know the details about. Brc Certification

    ReplyDelete
  27. Thanks for give me this information really this product is very effective keep posting more blogs.
    HALAL Consultancy in UAE.
    QMS consultancy in UAE.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Nice Article I really enjoyed this post Thanks for Sharing check this out

    Kosher Certification

    ReplyDelete
  29. Nice post. I learn something totally new and challenging on sites . It's always helpful to read content.
    HALAL certification vietnam

    ReplyDelete
  30. I would definitely thank the admin of this blog for sharing this information with us. Waiting for more updates from this blog admin.
    HALAL certification vietnam

    ReplyDelete
  31. It is really very helpful for us and I have gathered some important information from this blog.
    Kosher certification

    ReplyDelete
  32. Thanks for given detail information to me. keep posting like this. Halal Certification in Qatar

    ReplyDelete
  33. Good day. I was impressed with your article. Keep it up . You can also visit my site if you have time. Thank you and Bless you always.
    Kosher certification

    ReplyDelete
  34. This post is really good and blog is very interesting. There are good details. Thank you for sharing….iso 45001 lead auditor training

    ReplyDelete
  35. Nice post. I learn something totally new and challenging on sites . It's always helpful to read content.
    halal certification in hong kong

    ReplyDelete
  36. Thanks you for sharing this unique useful information content with us. Really awesome work.. Kosher Certification in Oman

    ReplyDelete
  37. Great reading and extremely comprehensive post. It's much covers everything about Halal food certification.

    ReplyDelete
  38. Great Information, thanks for sharing..CMQ

    ReplyDelete
  39. Mediterranean Food store
    Our Mediterranean food store features the finest Italian imports: infused olive oils, flavored vinegars, Italian pastas, olive oil infused beauty products and more. Explore a wide range of the freshest products from the Tuscan Region and delivered straight to your table. Mediterranean Table- superior customer service."

    ReplyDelete
  40. Awesome! Amazing list of blog thanks you so much for sharing this awesome piece I always love to read. this is really helpful to us
    Chứng Nhận ISO 22000

    ReplyDelete
  41. I found your blog and it was really useful as well as informative thanks for sharing such an article with us. We also provide services related to kosher requirements

    ReplyDelete
  42. Masala Grill also offers innovative fusion starters and Chef’s special platters in Hamilton. Best halal restaurants in hamilton near me

    ReplyDelete
  43. Masala Grill also offers innovative fusion starters and Chef’s special platters in Hamilton Best halal restaurants in hamilton near me

    ReplyDelete
  44. Great post! Thank you for sharing! I found a similar article related to halal food certification training. Please check it out and let me know what you think!

    ReplyDelete
  45. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  46. Thanks for the informative post! I have been looking for information on halal zertifizierung. and this has helped me understand it better. Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  47. There are many misconceptions about writing meta descriptions. This blog post will help you understand what a meta description is, and how to write one that will improve your click-through rate.

    ReplyDelete
  48. Nestled in Somerville, MA, Falafel Place is a culinary haven where quality meets authenticity. We take immense pride in sourcing only the freshest, top-tier ingredients and exclusively use Certified Halal Meats, leaving no room for anything frozen in our kitchen. Every dish on our menu is a labor of love, painstakingly crafted with time-honored Middle Eastern recipes, ensuring an unparalleled homemade taste that transports you straight to the bustling streets of the Middle East. Every bite celebrates flavors, from our delectable falafels to savory kebabs, making Falafel Place your go-to destination for an authentic Middle Eastern culinary experience.

    ReplyDelete
  49. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  50. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  51. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  52. Halal Food no doubt very good for human health. Very informative article. halal Food is easily available in muslim majority country but finding halal food is difficult in non muslim majority countries. But some countries like Japan now provide halal certified food product. for this many halal online grocery store and restaurants are also developed which is very helpful for Muslim visitors and local muslim community. For more information about halal online groceries this link https://medium.com/@aleena10506/exploring-japans-halal-food-corner-a-guide-to-online-grocery-shopping-094ba1b787fb help you in finding Halal online stores.

    ReplyDelete
  53. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  54. Looking for delicious halal options in Buffalo? Look no further than Hot Spot! As a Zabiha halal certified restaurant, Hot Spot ensures that every dish meets the highest standards of quality and authenticity. From mouthwatering entrees to tantalizing desserts, we've got something to satisfy every craving. Come experience the flavors of Hot Spot and indulge in a culinary journey unlike any other!

    ReplyDelete