Halal
Analysis of halal food
DNA testing for e.g. pork: Eurofins Food & Feed Testing supports you in ensuring halal compliance, preventing cross-contamination and verifying purification with PCR and species-specific sequencing.
Key services
We offer several methods and reference procedures for animal species identification, including:
- ELISA
- Qualitative PCR
- Quantitative real-time PCR
- Sequencing of mitochondrial DNA
Definition of the term "halal"
"Halal" is an Arabic word that can be translated as "permissible" or "lawful". It refers to all things and actions that are allowed under Islamic law. The opposite is "haram", meaning "forbidden". Between halal and haram lies a category called „makruh“. Makruh (discouraged) refers to actions or items that are not explicitly forbidden but are undesirable and better avoided. In general, all types of food are considered permissible, except for those explicitly forbidden. Muslims are for example prohibited from consuming pork and its by-products, intoxicating substances (such as alcohol), and blood.
The term 'halal' is also referenced in international food trade discussions, notably in the Codex Alimentarius — a collection of global standards covering food safety and product quality, published by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) of the United Nations. While halal is mentioned in certain Codex texts, it is not legally defined in commercial law, and interpretations may vary depending on religious and regional contexts.
Legal bases and guidelines
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Would you like to find out more about our testing solutions, or do you need individual analytical support? Contact us today to get in touch with our experts.