Guide to Halal Foods

Guide to Halal Foods

Islam is a mosaic, not a monolith– Muslim people come from all over the world with varied food cultures and dietary preferences. 83% of American Muslims follow a Halal diet.

One of our values at FamilyWorks is to design programs with input and leadership from the communities we serve. One way to integrate this feedback is to have more purchasing of Halal foods, as well as more education for staff and volunteers on Halal foods. Increasing our understanding of culturally appropriate foods helps us meet the needs of the communities we work with. We try to take into consideration each person’s perspective of their own cultural and religious practice.

Halal dietary laws are derived from the Quran, the Hadith (teachings of the Prophet Muhammad), and centuries of interpretation by Islamic scholars. These laws define what is permissible (Halal) and what is forbidden (Haram). While some foods, such as pork, are universally recognized as Haram, other ingredients, such as certain enzymes or flavorings, require more careful consideration.

It is important to remember that individual preferences may vary. This guide offers general tips and guidelines to help you navigate Halal dietary requirements, but always consider each person’s perspective of their own cultural and religious practice. When in doubt, ask participants or group leaders about any specific dietary needs they may have.

Useful definitions:

Halal – lawful or permitted. Foods and beverages that are Halal comply with Islamic dietary laws.

Haram – not permitted

Zabihah – an animal product that is slaughtered according to Islamic dietary laws

The distinction between Halal and Haram is not always straightforward, as it involves various factors including the source of the food, how it is prepared, and the presence of certain ingredients.

FAQ:

Is halal the same as kosher?

No. Kosher and halal diets both have set strict guidelines regarding which foods are allowed and restricted based on religious teachings, but many halal foods are not kosher, and vice versa.

Do all Muslims eat halal?

No. Islam is not a monolith. 83% of Muslims in the United States follow a halal diet.

If someone keeps a halal diet, can they only eat food with the halal label?

No– many foods are halal without being labeled as such.

Best practices for food bank staff and volunteers:

• Food traditions and dietary habits are affected by religion and culture. Be aware that food bank participants might have varied dietary needs.
• Display the halal certification symbol and food ingredient labels
• Provide halal meat, fish, and vegetarian proteins.
• Read food labels carefully and regularly, as ingredients can change without notice.