Halal glossary

Plain-language guides to ingredients, certification and the certifiers to check. Every guide shows where to verify the answer.

Ingredients

Pork and pig derivatives
Pork and everything derived from it is haram.Haram

Alcoholic drinks
Intoxicating drinks are haram, including as an ingredient.Haram

Blood
Flowing blood is haram.Haram

Gelatine
Haram if from pork or non-halal animals. Halal from halal-slaughtered cattle, fish or plant gels.Doubtful (mushbooh)

Emulsifiers and E471
Fat source can be animal (including pork) or plant.Doubtful (mushbooh)

Glycerin and glycerol (E422)
May come from animal fat, plants or synthesis.Doubtful (mushbooh)

Carmine and cochineal (E120)
Insect-derived red dye. Scholars differ.Doubtful (mushbooh)

Shellac and confectioner's glaze (E904)
Insect secretion. Many permit it, some avoid it.Doubtful (mushbooh)

Rennet and cheese
Animal rennet is halal only from halal-slaughtered calves.Doubtful (mushbooh)

Enzymes
Source can be animal (including pork) or microbial.Doubtful (mushbooh)

L-cysteine (E920)
Often made from hair or feathers. Needs a halal source.Doubtful (mushbooh)

Animal fat, tallow and shortening
Halal only if from halal-slaughtered animals.Doubtful (mushbooh)

Collagen, bone and isinglass
Animal source. Needs a halal source.Doubtful (mushbooh)

Natural flavours and flavourings
May carry alcohol or animal derivatives.Doubtful (mushbooh)

Ethanol and trace alcohol
Trace ethanol as a solvent: scholars differ.Doubtful (mushbooh)

Vanilla extract
Often alcohol based. Vanilla powder or alcohol-free versions are fine.Doubtful (mushbooh)

Stearic acid and magnesium stearate (E570, E572)
Stearic acid can be animal or plant.Doubtful (mushbooh)

E-numbers and additives
Many E-numbers are fine, some depend on the source.Concept

Certification

Halal certification
A recognised body audits the product and issues a certificate.Concept

Cross-contamination
Halal food can become doubtful if it touches haram.Concept

Doubtful (mushbooh)
Status depends on the source. Verify or choose a clear alternative.Concept

Meat

Halal slaughter (dhabihah)
Meat is halal only from a permitted animal slaughtered the halal way.Concept

Meat and poultry products
Needs a certificate that covers slaughter and the processing line.Concept

Cosmetics and medicine

Cosmetics and personal care
Alcohol, collagen, glycerin and animal fats are the usual concerns.Concept

Medicine and supplements
Gelatine capsules, stearates and alcohol in syrups are the usual concerns.Concept

Establishments

Restaurants and kitchens
Check the establishment certificate, shared fryers and alcohol in cooking.Concept

Business

Halal export and accreditation
The DTI accredits certifiers and supports halal exporters.Concept

Halal consultation and training
Get guidance before you apply for certification.Concept

Sources we point to

DTI · Department of Trade and Industry (Philippine Accreditation Bureau)
Philippine government agency. Its Philippine Accreditation Bureau accredits halal certification bodies and laboratories.Open ↗

PUCOI · Philippine Ulama Congress Organization, Inc.
Halal certification, training and consultancy for food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, establishments and slaughterhouses.Open ↗

IDCP · Islamic Da'wah Council of the Philippines, Inc.
Long-established Philippine halal certifier, recognised for food, restaurants, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.Open ↗

NCMF · National Commission on Muslim Filipinos
Philippine government commission with a role in halal certification and the national halal programme.Open ↗

JAKIM · Department of Islamic Development Malaysia
Malaysian halal authority. Its Halal Malaysia portal lists certified products and recognised foreign certifiers.Open ↗

BPJPH · Halal Product Assurance Agency (Indonesia)
Indonesian halal authority. Useful when a product is sold in or exported to Indonesia.Open ↗

MUIS · Islamic Religious Council of Singapore
Singapore halal authority with a public directory of certified establishments and products.Open ↗