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Thursday, January 29, 2009

halal ehh...

so much for... "Brother im muslim.. what you mean where i get my meat from??"

Study reveals 'shocking' kebabs

Meat sliced off a rotating slab in a Glasgow takeaway
Some 35% of doners contained a different meat than advertised

Doner kebabs sold in the UK contain "shocking" levels of salt, fat and calories, a survey has concluded.

Officers from 76 councils sampled 494 kebabs to test their nutritional value, during the Local Authority Coordinators of Regulatory Services (Lacors) study.

The average doner they tested contained almost 1,000 calories - half a woman's recommended daily intake.

Geoffrey Theobald, of Lacors, said: "The level of saturated fat and salt in some is a serious cause for concern."

He added that while they "would never consider kebabs part of a calorie-controlled diet" the true content of the average kebab was worrying.

Among the kebabs sampled - without salad or sauces - the average doner contained 98% of an adult's recommended daily salt and 148% of their daily saturated fat allowance.

Under the supermarket "traffic lights" system, red marks would be earned by 97% for fat, 98% for saturated fat and 96% for salt.

Some 35% of labels listed a different meat species than that actually found in the kebab.

This study has turned the spotlight on doner kebabs
Geoffrey Theobald
Lacors

Six kebabs were found to include pork when it had not been declared as an ingredient. Two of the six were described as Halal - food or drink permitted for Muslims, which must not contain pork.

Mr Theobald said it was "totally unacceptable" that people with certain faiths were unknowingly eating meats that were against their beliefs.

The worst doners inspectors came across contained 1,990 calories before salad and sauces - over 95% of a woman's recommended daily calories, 346% of a woman's saturated fat intake and 277% of an adult's daily salt intake.

Researchers uncovered significant regional variations, with the average kebab in the north-west of England containing 1,101 calories, compared with 1,084 in Scotland, 1,055 in Wales and 1,066 in England's south-east.

Northern Ireland's average of 843 was the lowest in the UK.

Mr Theobald said it was "totally unacceptable" that inaccurate labelling was so widespread.

In addition, there was little difference in weight between kebabs labelled as "small" and "large", he added.

"While some people may think they are making sensible choices by ordering a small kebab, this study showed little difference between small and large kebab weight."

He said with obesity rates rising so rapidly in the UK, portion size was as important as content, he said.

"This study has turned the spotlight on doner kebabs and we hope that manufacturers rise to the challenge and work with councils to provide a healthier product that contains only what it says on the label," Mr Theobald said.

Research by the UK's Food Standards Agency in 2006 found that 18.5% of doner takeaways posed a "significant" threat to public health, and 0.8% posed an "imminent" threat.

Graph: Kebab content compared to GDA for men and women

Source of article..

Saturday, January 24, 2009

Are You Wearing Pigskin Leathers?

It is amazing that many Muslims do not know if they are actually wearing a leather jacket or a shoe or carrying a purse or any other leather product that is made of pigskin.

Imagine how many mosques, centers and other holy places they may have made NAJAS. Their prayers may not have been accepted. Do you think you are one of them or will you be one on them?


Here are some tips to find what a pigskin is, what it looks like and where it is used?

Where it is Used?

  • General Leather Products: Heavily used in Chinese and other developing or under- developing countries.
  • Shoes & Joggers: Full Leather suede looking Shoes or inner linings.
  • Jackets: Full Leather suede looking knee long and waist long full sleeve or sleeveless jackets.
  • Purses: Women and men purses. Full leather or linings.
  • Brief Cases: Men and Women leather brief cases, usually inner linings are pigskins. But look out for rest of the leather.

Why is it Used?

Price & Availability: Pigskin is cheap and easily available in most countries. It is lighter that real suede made of Cow. Due to low price it is easier to market and sell. It was first used as liners as it is really thin and strong. Soon it was used in most products as profit margins are comparatively high.

How to recognized it?

Mostly, it looks like suede. But it is thinner. It has spots on it. Kind of depressions or little holes that never go through. It seems like some has used spikes to try to pin through it. But these spots are only on one side.

Usually, on the other side of the leather, you will see squeezed round shaped spots. These spots may not be very prominent on this side. If you look very closely at the pictures given, you will have no problem in identifying pigskin. If you are not sure, read labels or ask the store keepers. Do not ask them if these are pigskins. Let them tell you what kind of leather it is. Do not take their words. Ask for proof.

Hard to Recognize

Hardest is to recognize the pigskin that is being used for non-suede type leather products. But with a close examination spots and holes can be detected. This type of leather needs much concentration.


Picture # 1)

Flattened leather with thin look and equal-distance spots.




Picture #2)


Very prominent Spots & Pin Holes. Suede like texture is visible.





Picture # 3


Flattened and soft looking but spots are visible.

Rubicon Drinks Halal or not??

Are Rubicon Exotic Juice Drinks suitable for Halal consumption?

Questions about soft drinks containing ethyl alcohol have been raised a number of times by concerned Muslims over the past few years. In these cases the Muslim Law (Shariah) Council in the UK have confirmed that the composition and procedure involved in the production of these soft drinks is in compliance with the rules of Shariah and therefore Halal for Muslims to consume.

If you were to analyse soft drinks you would find a tiny trace amount of ethyl alcohol in many of the finished products. The reason this is common in soft drinks is because the flavouring process often results in a trace of ethyl alcohol. This amount is typically less than 0.05% - a level that is so low that the body metabolises the ethyl alcohol faster than it is consumed meaning it can have no intoxicating effect. Some Rubicon products do contain trace levels below this 0.05% level.

AG Barr the soft drinks company who have made Rubicon products for the past 25 years have accreditation from the Muslim Law (Shariah) Council UK that testifies that its drinks are in compliance with the rules of Shariah and therefore are Halal for Muslims to consume.

Rubicon only makes soft drinks and these have been enjoyed by the people of Britain and around the world for over 25 years.

We hope this answers your questions and allays your concerns about the suitability of Rubicon to be consumed by Muslims. If you have any further concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us on info@rubiconexotic.com.
Source



The above quoted words are taken directly from Rubicons Faq on it official website.. now it does have "trace" amount of alcohol in it... Halal or not?? you need to question an Alim who is well versed with the Fiqh of food items and is a pious (muttaqi) person.


as an aside you can also look for updates on the GMWA website... here

Cadbury Products halal or Haram??

Last Updated: 04/11/2008
Notes:
1. The subsidiary companies are listed after the name of the product e.g. Ernest Jackson, Barker and Dobson, Cadbury World, Lion Confectionery, Halls etc.
2. Being such a huge list, mistakes do happen, so be prudent and check the ingredient for obvious haraam ingredients like gelatine, cochineal etc.
3. All queries relating to this list must be referred back to the Foodguide and not to Cadbury's.
The following are Halaal
BUBBALOO ALL VARIETIES - ADAMS
BUBBILICIOUS ALL VARIETIES - ADAMS
ASSORTED TOFFEES - BASSETTS
BUTTERMINTS
CHERRY DROPS - BASSETTS
EVERTON MINTS - BASSETTS
FRUIT BONBONS - BASSETTS
LEMON BONBONS - BASSETTS
MINT CREAMS - BASSETTS
MINT FAVOURITES (Murray mints, Murray buttermints, Everton, Mint toffees) - BASSETTS
MURRAY MINTS - BASSETTS
PEAR DROPS - BASSETTS
SHERBET LEMONS - BASSETTS
TOFFEE AND FUDGE FAVOURITES - BASSETTS
TOFFEE BONBONS - BASSETTS
ALMONDS - CADBURY (SHELLAC)
ASSORTED NUTS - CADBURY (SHELLAC)
BOOST GLUCOSE - CADBURY
BOURNVILLE - CADBURY
BOURNVILLE 1848 - CADBURY
BOURNVILLE 99 CALORIES - CADBURY
BOURNVITA - CADBURY
BOURNVITA LIGHT - CADBURY
BRUNCH BAR CRANBERRY AND ORANGE - CADBURY
BRUNCH BAR HAZELNUT - CADBURY
BRUNCH BAR RAISIN - CADBURY
BUTTONS - CADBURY
CHOCOLATE ECLAIRS - CADBURY
CHOMP - CADBURY
COCOA - CADBURY
CREAMY WHITE BUTTONS - CADBURY
CREME EGG - CADBURY
CREME EGG - TWISTED
CRUNCHIE - CADBURY
CRUNCHIE NUGGETS - CADBURY
CRUNCHIE SHARE BOX - CADBURY
CURLY WURLY - CADBURY
CURLY WURLY SQUIRLIES - CADBURY
DAIRY MILK 99 CALORIES - CADBURY
DAIRY MILK - CADBURY
DAIRY MILK ADVENT CALENDAR - CADBURY
DAIRY MILK ADVENT CALENDAR MINATURES (VARIETY) - CADBURY
DAIRY MILK CARAMEL EGG - CADBURY
DAIRY MILK CARAMEL FREDDO - CADBURY
DAIRY MILK CARAMEL TREE DECORATIONS - CADBURY
DAIRY MILK COINS - CADBURY
DAIRY MILK EGGS - CADBURY
DAIRY MILK FREDDO - CADBURY
DAIRY MILK FRUIT AND NUT - CADBURY
DAIRY MILK MINIATURES (BAGS) - CADBURY
DAIRY MILK MINIATURES (SLOT MACHINE) - CADBURY
DAIRY MILK SHARE BOX - CADBURY
DAIRY MILK SHARE BOX (INDULGENT) - CADBURY
DAIRY MILK SHARE BOX (VARIETY) - CADBURY
DAIRY MILK SHOTS - CADBURY (SHELLAC)
DAIRY MILK SMALL - CADBURY
DAIRY MILK TASTERS - CADBURY (SHELLAC)
DAIRY MILK TREE NOVELTIES - CADBURY
DAIRY MILK TURKISH - CADBURY
DAIRY MILK WHOLENUT - CADBURY
DAIRY MILK WITH CARAMEL - CADBURY
DAIRY MILK WITH CREME EGG - CADBURY
DAIRY MILK WITH CRUNCHIE - CADBURY
DAIRY MILK WITH MINT CHIPS - CADBURY
DAIRY MILK WITH MINT CHIPS 99 CALORIES - CADBURY
DAIRY MILK WITH ORANGE CHIPS - CADBURY
DAIRY MILK WITH WAFER - CADBURY
DAIRY MILK WITH APRICOT CRUMBLE
DAIRY MILK WITH CRANBERRY AND GRANOLA
DOUBLE DECKER - CADBURY
DREAM - CADBURY
DRINKING CHOCOLATE - CADBURY
FLAKE / 99 FLAKE - CADBURY
FLAKE DARK - CADBURY
FLAKE DIPPED - CADBURY
FLAKE MOMENTS - CADBURY
FLAKE PRALINE - CADBURY
FUDGE - CADBURY
HAZELS - CADBURY (SHELLAC)
HEROES ASSORTMENT - CADBURY
HIGHLIGHTS ALL VARIETIES
HOT CHOCOLATE INSTANT - CADBURY
INSTANT HOT MOCHA - CADBURY
MELTS - DELICIOUSLY DARK - CADBURY
MELTS - HEAVENLY PRALINE - CADBURY
MELTS - VELVETY MILK - CADBURY
MILK TRAY - CADBURY
MINI CARAMEL EGG - CADBURY
MINI CREME EGG - CADBURY
MINI EGGS - CADBURY
MISSHAPES - CADBURY
PICNIC - CADBURY
ROSES ASSORTMENT - CADBURY
ROSES LUXURY ASSORTMENT - CADBURY
ROSES TRUFFLE SELECTION - CADBURY
SNACK SHORTCAKE - CADBURY
SNACK WAFER - CADBURY
SNAPS CARAMEL CRUNCH - CADBURY
SNAPS MINT - CADBURY
SNAPS ORANGE - CADBURY
SNAPS ORIGINAL - CADBURY
STARBAR - CADBURY
TIMEOUT - CADBURY
TURKISH DELIGHT CHOCOLATES - CADBURY
TWIRL - CADBURY
PEPPERMINT CREAM - FRY'S
TURKISH DELIGHT - FRY'S
BLACKCURRANT MEDICATED - HALLS
CHERRY SUGAR FREE - HALLS
EXTRA STRONG MENTHO-LYPTUS medicated - HALLS
ORIGINAL MEDICATED SUGAR FREE - HALLS
ORIGINAL MENTHO-LYPTUS medicated - HALLS
SOOTHERS ALL VARIETIES - HALLS
EXTRA COOL PEPPERMINT - TREBOR
EXTRA COOL SPEARMINT - TREBOR
MIGHTY MINIS - TREBOR
SOFT FRUITS - TREBOR
SOFT MINTS SPEARMINT - TREBOR
SOFT MINTS PEPPERMINT - TREBOR
TRIDENT SOFT GUMS - ALL FLAVOURS
WISPA
Please refrain from these:
DAIRY MILK SANTA - CADBURY
Haraam products:
GELATINE-BASED OR E120
ANIMAL MIX - BASSETTS
ANISEED IMPERIALS - BASSETTS
FRUIT ALLSORTS - BASSETTS
FRUIT GUMS - BASSETTS
JELLY BABIES - BASSETTS
JELLY BABIES FRUITY - BASSETTS
JELLY BABIES MILKY - BASSETTS
JELLY BABIES PARTY - BASSETTS
LIQUORICE ALLSORTS - BASSETTS
MINT IMPERIALS - BASSETTS
SPEARMINT IMPERIALS - BASSETTS
STRAWBERRY BONBONS - BASSETTS
SWEETSHOP FAVOURITES (Pear drops, Rhubarb & custard, Kola cubes, Pineapple chunks) - BASSETTS
MIDGET GEMS - MAYNARDS
SPORTS MIX - MAYNARDS
WINE GUMS LIGHT - MAYNARDS
WINE GUMS standard and mini - MAYNARDS
WINE GUMS SOFT - MAYNARDS
WINE GUMS SOURS - MAYNARDS
WINE PASTILLES - MAYNARDS
EXTRA STRONG MENTHOL AND EUCALYPTUS - TREBOR
EXTRA STRONG MINTS - TREBOR
EXTRA STRONG SPEARMINT - TREBOR
MINI SOFTMINTS - TREBOR
THE NATURAL CONFECTIONERY COMPANY FRUIT FLAVOURED GUMS - ALL VARIETIES
TRIDENT SPLASH GUMS - ALL FLAVOURS
TRIDENT FRESH GUMS - ALL FLAVOURS
TRIDENT SWEET KICKS GUMS - ALL FLAVOURS
ALCOHOL ADDED - HARAAM
SNACK SANDWICH - CADBURY

Source of Information

Red Bull Halal??

The following are Halaal, but do utlise alcohol based flavouring carriers (see below for more details).

Red Bull Energy Drink (250ml) (alcoholic flavourings)
Red Bull Energy Drink (355ml) (alcoholic flavourings)
Red Bull Sugarfree (250 ml) (alcoholic flavourings)
Red Bull Sugarfree (355ml) (alcoholic flavourings)
Red Bull Cola (250 ml)
Red Bull Cola (355ml)

Alcoholic Flavourings Clarification:

Alcohols used as a carrier for food colourings and flavourings are permissible as long as they are not sourced from dates or grapes.

Read the full article here:
Alcohol Flavourings Clarification - http://www.gmwa.org.uk/foodguide2/index.php?page=viewquestion&id=200

Source of Article

Mars Products Halal or Haram?

Haraam E120

Skittles - Sours
*E120
M&Ms Peanut
*E120
M&Ms Chocolate
*E120
M&Ms Crispy *
E120

Investigating
Skittles - Fruits
ALL THE FOLLOWING ARE HALAAL
Please see the notes next to some of them, to highlight the issue of calf rennet and alcoholic flavourings at the bottom. Some may feel they wish to refrain them.
Calf Rennet Clarification:
Rennet per se, is not impermissible.
It is permissible to eat cheese which has rennet from calf rennet though
praiseworthy to refrain from due to a slight difference of opinion viz:

Is Whey Rennet Haraam? (no!)
http://www.gmwa.org.uk/foodguide2/index.php?page=viewquestion&id=20
* contains calf based rennet
*? Possibly contains calf rennet as manufactured on the continent
Alcoholic Flavourings Clarification:
Alcohols used as a carrier for food colourings and flavourings are permissible as long as they are not sourced from dates or grapes.
Read the full article here:
Aquadrops Apple
Aquadrops Citrus
Bounty Milk *
Bounty Dark *
Celebrations *
Flyte *
Galaxy Milk
Galaxy Smooth Dark *
Galaxy Fruit & Nut *
Galaxy Hazelnut *
Galaxy Amicelli *
Galaxy Caramel *
Galaxy Ripple *?
Galaxy Minstrels *?
Lockets Honey & Lemon
Lockets Blackcurrant
Lockets Extra Strong
Maltesers *?
Maltesers White *
Mars Planets *
Mars *?
Mars Delight *
Mars Funsize *
Milky Way *
Milky Way Magic Stars *
Revels *?
Snickers *?
Snickers Funsize *
Starburst Original
Starburst Strawberry
Starburst Choozers
Starburst Sours
Topic *
Tracker Chocolate Chip
Tracker Raisin
Tracker Roasted Nut
Tunes Cherry
Tunes Blackcurrant
Tunes Strawberry
Twix *

ICE CREAMS
Bounty - All varieties *
Galaxy - All varieties *
Mars Bar - All varieties *
Maltesers - All varieties *
M&Ms *
Snickers - All varieties *
Starburst - All varieties
Twix Bar *
DRINKS - Shakes
Mars Refuel
Mars Extra Chocolate
Mars Hot Chocolate
Mars Thick Shake *?
Galaxy Creamy Hot Chocolate *?
Galaxy Smooth & Creamy Chocolate Milk Drink
Galaxy Smoothie Chocolate Orange
Galaxy Thick Shake *?
Maltesers Malted Hot Chocolate
Maltesers Super Thick Shake
Maltesers Super Frothy Chocolate Milk Drink
M&M's Super Thick Shake *
Twix Super Thick Shake *?
Bounty Drink
Moment du chocolat with Marshmallows *?
Moment du chocolat dark
DRINKS - Powder
Bounty Frappe
Galaxy Hot Chocolate
Galaxy Hot Chocolate with Caramel
Galaxy Hot Chocolate Bliss
Maltesers Hot Chocolate Malt Drink

Last Updated: 23/01/2009

Source of Information

WHY IS IT SO IMPORTANT FOR A MUSLIM TO STRICTLY CONSUME HALAL?

Consuming Halal is an order of Allah and an essential part of the Islamic faith. Allah has repeatedly emphasised the consumption of Halal in His book. The following are some examples of such verses:
  • “O Messengers, eat from the pure foods and work righteousness”
    (Holy Quran 23:51)
  • “O you who have believed, eat from the pure things which we have provided you” (Holy Quran 2:172)
  • “O mankind, eat from whatever is on earth (that is) lawful and pure”
    (Holy Quran 2:168)
  • “So eat of that (meat) upon which Allah's name has been mentioned, if you are believers in His verses” (Holy Quran 6:118)
  • “And do not eat that upon which the name of Allah has not been mentioned, for indeed it is a grave disobedience”. (Holy Quran 6:121)

By being careless about the dietary laws of Islam a believer puts himself in harms way both in this world and the world hereafter. In this world, due to in taking such a product he deprives himself from having any of his good deeds and duas accepted by his creator while in the hereafter he suffers the greatest loss ever imaginable i.e. refusal from being admitted to Paradise . All this is confirmed in the following traditions:

  1. Abu Hurairah RA related,” Allah's Messenger PBUH said: Verily Allah is pure and He accepts only what is pure and indeed Allah has given those orders to the believers, which he has given to the Messengers. He has said, “O Messenger, eat from the pure foods and work righteous”. He -also- has said: “O you who have believed, eat from the pure things which we have provided you.” Then (the Prophet PBUH) made mention of a man who undergoes a lengthy journey in a state that he is dishevelled and dusty. He spreads his hands towards the sky (calling), “O my lord, O my lord”, however his food is Haram, his drink is Haram, his clothes are Haram and he has been nourished with Haram! So how will his call be answered?” (Muslim)
  2. S'ad RA relates: Allah's messenger PBUH said “O S'ad purify your food (and as a result) you will become one who's supplications are accepted. I swear by He in whose hands the soul of Muhammad PBUH lies, verily a servant (of Allah) tosses a Haram morsel in his stomach (due to which) no deed is accepted from him for 40 days” (Tabarani)
  3. Abu Baker RA narrated that Allah's Messenger PBUH said “That body will not enter Paradise which has been nourished with Haram” (Baihaqi)
  4. Ka`b Ibn Ujrah relates that the Prophet of Allah (PBUH) said, “a body nourished with Haram will not enter Jannah”. (Tirmidhi)
  5. Jabir RA reported, Allah's Messenger PBUH said, “That flesh will not enter Paradise which has grown from Haram, and all that flesh which has grown from Haram, the fire (of hell) is more worthy of it.” (Ahmed, Darimi, Baihaqi)
  6. Abu Hurayrah (RA) reports that the Prophet of Allah (PBUH) said, “a time will come upon the people wherein a man will not bother what he intakes; whether from Halal source or Haram.” (Bukhari)

In our times, it becomes even more important to ensure the meat and poultry consumed is genuinely Halal due to the execessive deceit, cheat and false labelling of Halal in the industry.


Further Reading

Source of article

THE FIQH OF HALAL MEAT


Based on a verbal Fatwa by Mufti Rafi Usmani
Raised by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani


Question

What are some general principles related to Halal meat? Can we trust others' word on whether the meat is Halal?


Answer

  1. In general, the jurists (fuqaha) mention that one can trust another’s word (Muslim or non-Muslim) that the meat has been properly Islamically slaughtered [Fatawa Hindiyya, Radd al-Muhtar].
  2. However, when there is reason to be cautious, it is recommended to take the means to make sure that it is in fact Halal.
  3. When there is ‘reasonable’ fear that this particular meat is possibly Haram--or when it is generally the case that meat labelled ‘Halal’ is dubious--then it would be one’s duty to make sure.

    (End of Fatwa)

Keeping the above in mind, Muslims living in this country need to ponder as to which situation relates to them. The first and second situations are both out of the question, and the reason is obvious. The third situation also does not relate to us, since there is not only ‘reasonable’ fear that the meat labelled as Halal is possibly Haram. Rather, based on the research and investigation of many individuals and organisations, the current situation is even worse – that is there is ‘extreme’ fear that a particular meat labelled as Halal may be Haram.

Therefore, one must not take another’s word at face value; rather it will be one’s duty to ensure that the meat is Halal, whether individually or through an organisation that one trusts and who would give this assurance.

And Allah knows best

Mufti Muhammad Ibn Adam Al-Kawthari


Source of article

CONTEMPORARY ISSUE OF STUNNING

The issue of stunning is very delicate (whether done by captive bolt stun, electric head stun or electrified water bath), in the sense that there are many conditions and criteria that must be considered. Firstly for reason of the animals' welfare, the act of stunning is extremely disliked and according to some even reaches the stage of being Haram, as it causes the animal unnecessary suffering. Thereafter even more importantly is how it affects the Islamic ruling on the animal as to whether or not it is fit for Muslim consumption.

The Islamic criteria that must be met while slaughtering the animals are clear-cut; any deviation from them will render the animal unfit for Muslim consumption. Amongst the guidelines established for a Halal slaughter is the unwavering fundamental that the animal must be alive at the time of slaughter and the blood must be drained out.

It has been witnessed that on many occasions animals subjected to stunning arrive at the slaughterer dead. This is due to either the unbearably high voltage or a delay in the time it takes to get to the slaughterer if the stunning is irreversible. Sometimes it can also be because animals are drowned in the stunning tank. It has been noted that the problem of dead animals reaching the slaughterer is invariably present in all the slaughterhouses that use the stunning method. The research also states that more than 35% of the animal especially chickens die prior to slaughter due to stunning. It is also proven that a large amount of blood remains in the animal which renders it Haram. The animal is also deprived of the effects of tasmiyyah as it would be unconscious at the time of slaughter.

Also what needs to be understood is that there is no pressure from the side of the government of the United Kingdom forcing Muslims to adopt such inhumane methods of slaughter. Therefore because of all the negative aspects of stunning, the Halal Monitoring Committee has set a blanket ruling disallowing stunning in any form.

“Stunning the animal before slaughter leaves a huge doubt into the halalness of the animal as many could be killed by the stunning especially in the case of poultry. Furthermore, it prevents the drainage of entire blood resulting in it being retained in the animal and retained blood causes germs and bacteria, it deprives animals from the benefits of tasmiyah due to it being unconscious, it is inhumane to animals and causes unnecessary pain and suffering, it is in reality done not for animal rights purposes, but in order for the industry to kill more animals quicker so as to increase profits. According to the majority of the Ulama stunning is not accepted in Islam and stunning could render the meat Haram in many cases.” (Abu Ibrahim)

Source of Article

Quick Facts on Stunning


  • F.A.W.C. reports more than 1/3 chickens die prior to slaughter and are labelled Halal.
  • Stunning prevents the drainage of entire blood resulting in it being retained.
  • Retained blood causes germs and bacteria.
  • Stunning deprives animals from the benefits of tasmiyah (religious blessing) due to being unconscious.
  • Stunning is inhumane to animals and causes unnecessary suffering.
  • The British Law allows the Muslim to carry out religious slaughter without stunning

STUNNING? MORE HARM THAN IT’S WORTH!

Source of Article

Articles on the Issue of Stunning

  1. The Question of Stunning
  2. Islam & Muslims Oppose Stunning!
  3. Why Stunning the Animal Before Dhabh (Slaying) Cannot be Accepted by Muslims?
  4. Is Islamic Slaughtering Cruel to Animals?
  5. Stunning
  6. The Issue of Stunning
  7. Is Stunning Animals Really Humane?
  8. The Reason Why it is Forbidden to Eat Meat Without Draining the Blood
  9. Islamic Method of Slaughtering Animals is Better
  10. Stunning Animals Prior To Slaughter Is Unacceptable, Say UK Muslims
  11. Fatwa Regarding Stunning
  12. Chickens & Stunning
  13. The Islamic Viewpoint on Stunning Animals Prior to Consumption
  14. Stunning Fatwa
  15. Stunning Fatwa
  16. Serious Welfare Problems of Electrical Stunning for Poultry & the Case for Gas Killing
  17. Whose Halal and Who's Not?

SLAUGHTER RELATED ARTICLES (Links)

  1. Meat handled, processed, packed and transported by non Muslims
  2. The Fiqh of Halal Meat – Fatwa on the importance of investigating – Can We trust the word ‘Halal’?
  3. Imported meat and poultry in Saudi Arabia
  4. Putrid: Meat Scandal Hits Turkish Import
  5. Meat and Poultry slaughtered by Ahlul-Kitab
  6. An In-Depth Look at Zabiha
  7. Islamic Shari'ah Relating to Slaying (Dhabh) of Animals & Poultry (Halal Meat)
  8. Islamic Guidelines to Slaughtering Animals
  9. Is reciting the name of Allah while slaughtering an animal obligatory?
  10. Workers in the Abattoir are Followers of a Number of Religions
  11. Using Hormones to Increase the Yield of Crops & Improve them
  12. Do animal rights activists protect the sheep or the butcher?
  13. It may be Zabiha, but is it Halal?

PROBLEMS DISCOVERED IN THE 'HALAL' INDUSTRY

HMC exposes the corrupt practices found in the ‘Halal’ meat industry highlighting the potential dangers for Muslim consumers who freely buy meat and poultry from non certified sources and which necessitated the formation of HMC. What is even more worrying is that despite many slaughter - conditions being violated, the consumables are falsely labelled as ‘Halal’ and consumers are led to believe that they are genuinely Halal whereas in many cases the consumables would be Haram!

We can divide the industry into four areas:
  1. Abattoirs & Slaughterhouses
  2. Processing Plants
  3. Outlets (Butchers, Restaurants, Takeaways etc)
  4. Other Certifications

Abbatoirs & Slaughterhouses


Many Muslims who originate from the Indian sub continent, Africa or Arab countries naively think that all meat and poultry is slaughtered in a simple manner which they saw practised in the countries they came from. What we have failed to realise is the demand for Halal meat and poultry has dramatically increased in the west and the companies supplying the meat and poultry have had to look for ways to increase the output. This has meant finding quicker ways of slaying the animals and at the same time keeping within the Halal laws. With this proving difficult, many slaughterhouses have looked for shortcuts in the Halal rules, many disregard the Halal slaughter prerequisites and many have no knowledge of the prerequisites whilst the main aim has become the increase of production and its returns. The corrupt and non-islamic practices prevalent within slaughterhouses supplying to the Halal market are as follows:

Place your cursor on the items below to read more on the issue

Processing Plants


A large amount of meat and poultry slaughtered in the abattoirs is then passed on to the processing plants. The processing plants can range from processing, cutting, de-boning to preparing ready made meals and preparing frozen packed or canned consumables. In our experience many of the processing plants are not very particular in verifying the methods of slaughter and are accommodating any meat or poultry which is labelled Halal whether from the U.K or abroad. This is leading to problems similar to those at the abattoirs where verification of the halalness of the products is very difficult. In fact, although sometimes the processing plants may be unaware of the source, some are deliberately sourcing from Haram. The other issue is anonymous meat and poultry imported from around the world labelled Halal is entering the market without the importers even knowing what slaughter methods are being used. Many of these when scrutinized and checked do not even come close to being Halal.


Outlets (Butchers, Resaturants, Takeaways etc)
The butchers and outlets receiving the meat and poultry from the abattoirs and processing plants are just as negligent in verifying their sourcing as the rest of the chain above. Many of them are genuinely unaware of the problematic industry and they would merely place the trust in and take the word of the supplier just because it is claimed to be Halal.

Other Certifications and their Flaws


The only way to help Muslim consumers make an informed choice and help them consume genuine Halal meat and poultry was to introduce a certification system which covers all the chain from source to outlet. There have been quite a few attempts in the past and currently to certify this problematic industry. The sad thing is that some of the systems put in place by a number of certifying bodies are very weak and have only increased the problem. Some organisations issue Halal certificates for life, others issue Halal certificates over the phone, other abattoirs are inspected once a year and issued a Halal certificate, and other certifiers do not even have knowledge of what are the correct standards for Halal. Sadly, stunned and mechanically slaughtered meat and poultry is also being certified by various bodies in the UK.


THE MOST ABUSED WORD ‘HALAL’!
The above problems highlighted lead to the biggest dilemma of all, Muslim consumers buying meat, poultry, kebabs, samosas or anything else labelled as Halal from butchers, takeaways, or restaurants are not and can not be certain about the genuineness and authenticity of the Halal label, either through ignorance in the chain of suppliers or either through unscrupulous, deceitful, corrupt and greedy meat traders.

In conclusion, the word Halal has become the most abused word equally misused by Muslims and non Muslims. The word ‘Halal’ is displayed anywhere and everywhere without any kind of regulation and corroboration and the consumers are made to believe that it is genuinely Halal.

The questions we leave you with are:
  • How confident are you about the Halal status of the meat and poultry you are consuming today?
  • How sure are you that the meat and poultry you are buying today is not slaughtered in the above mentioned methods?
  • Is the word Halal displayed sufficient for you, or do you require some kind of assurance?
  • Make an informed choice! Refuse to be conned in Haram in the name of Halal.

Halal Animals

The following animals are fit for Muslim consumption:
  • All domestic birds
  • All cattle
  • Sheep
  • Goats
  • Camels
  • All types of buck
  • Rabbits
  • Fish
  • Locusts

The aforementioned animals excluding fish and locusts will only be considered Halal when they are slaughtered according to the following guidelines:

  • The slaughter man must be a Muslim
  • Prior to slaughter, the slaughter man must invoke the name of Allah upon the animal to be slaughtered by reciting “Bismillahi Allahu Akbar” or at the very least recite “Bismillah”
  • He must immediately slaughter the animal after the recital without any significant delay
  • His knife must be extremely sharp in order that the slaughter may be conducted efficiently and easily and the animal suffers minimal agony
  • He must sever the following arteries:
    Trachea (windpipe), Oesophagus (gullet), both Jugular Veins
    If it is not possible for the slaughter man to cut all four arteries due to whatever reason then he must sever at least three in order to render the meat Halal.
  • He must conduct the slaughter manually (i.e. by hand) and swiftly. The knife must not be lifted before the cut is complete and the cut must be below the Adam’s apple
Source of article

WHAT IS HALAL?


This article provides an overview of 'Halal' i.e. permissible or lawful in Islam, and 'Haram' i.e. impermissible or unlawful in Islam:


  1. Halal and Haram
  2. Halal Animals
  3. Haram Animals
  4. Unlawful Organs of Animals Slaughtered as Halal
  5. Haram Fluids


Halal and Haram


HALAL: This is an Arabic term which means permissible or lawful in Islam. In reference to food, it is the Islamic dietary standard, as prescribed in the Shari’ah (Islamic Law).

HARAM: This is another Arabic term which means impermissible or unlawful in Islam.

Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam said: “Halal is clear and the Haram (unlawful) is clear. Between the two there are doubtful matters concerning which people do not know. One who avoids them in order to safeguard his deen (religion) and his honour are safe, while if some one indulges in it, he may be indulging in the unlawful……” (Bukhari)

General Qur’anic guidance dictates that all foods are Halal except those that are specifically mentioned as Haram (unlawful or prohibited). The Glorious Qur’an reads:

“O ye who believes! Eat of the good things wherewith we have provided you, and render thanks to Allah, if it is He whom ye worship. (chapter II, Verse 172)”

The unlawful foods are specifically mentioned in the Glorious Qur’an, in the following verses:

“He hath forbidden you only carrion, and blood, and swine flesh, and that on which hath been invoked any other name besides Allah’s……..” (Chapter II, Verse 173)

“Forbidden unto you (for food) are: carrion and blood and swine flesh, and that on which hath been invoked the name other than Allah, and the strangled, and the dead through beating, and the dead through falling from a height, and that which hath been gored to death, and the devoured of wild beasts, saving that which ye make lawful (by slaughter) and that which hath been immolated to idols and that ye swear by the divining arrows. This is an abomination….” (Chapter V, Verse 3)

Consumption of alcohol and other intoxicants is prohibited according to the following guidance:

“O ye who believe! Intoxicants and games of chance, and idols and divining arrows are an abomination of Satan’s handiwork. Leave it aside in order that ye may succeed.” (Chapter V, Verse 9)

Meat is the most strictly regulated of the food groups. Not only are blood, pork, and the meat of dead animals or those immolated to other than Allah strongly prohibited, it is also required that the Halal animals be slaughtered while pronouncing the name of Allah at the time of slaughter.

“Eat of that over which the name of Allah hath been mentioned, if ye are believers in his revelations” (Chapter VI, Verse 118)

“And eat not of that whereon Allah’s name hath not been mentioned, for lo! It is abomination. Lo! The devils do inspire their friends to contend with you. But if ye obey them, ye will be in truth idolaters”. (Chapter VI, Verse 121)

Attempts have been made to explain or justify some of the prohibitions based on scientific reasoning as follows:

  • Carrion and dead animals are unfit for human consumption because the decaying process leads to the formation of chemicals which are harmful to humans
  • Blood that is drained from the body contains harmful bacteria, products of metabolism, and toxins
  • Swine serves as a vector for pathogenic worms to enter the human body. Infections by Trchinella spiralis and taenia solium are not uncommon. Fatty acids, composition of pork fat have been mentioned as incompatible with human fat and biochemical systems
  • Intoxicants are considered harmful for the nervous system, affecting the census and human judgement leading to social and family problems and in many cases even death.

Although these explanations are sound, the underlying principle behind the prohibitions remains the above mentioned Divine orders.

Accordingly, Muslims permit all foods, pure and clean for consumption. Islamic Jurisprudence has derived certain principles from the Ahadeeth to determine whether a particular animal or bird is lawful or unlawful.


Source of article

Unlawful Organs of Animals Slaughtered as Halal


  • Flowing Blood
  • Male reproductory organ
  • Testicles
  • Female reproductory organ
  • Pancreas
  • Gall bladder
  • Bladder
  • Spinal cord
Source of article

Haram Animals

The consumption of the following animals is against the dietary laws of Islam. Likewise any ingredient or product derived from them or contaminated with them is also prohibited for a Muslim to consume:
  • Meat of swine (pig) including all it’s by products
  • Meat of an animal that was not blessed with the name of Allah at the time of slaughter
  • Meat of dead animals (carrion)
  • Meat of animals that were strangled to death
  • Meat of animals that were beaten to death
  • Meat of animals that died due to falling from a height
  • Meat of animals that were gored to death by a horn
  • Meat of animals that were devoured by wild beasts
  • Animals killed in a manner which prevents their blood from being fully drained from their bodies;
  • Carnivorous animals with fangs, e.g. lions, dogs, wolves, tigers, etc…
  • Birds of prey e.g. falcons, eagles, owls, vultures, etc
  • Reptiles, snakes, crocodiles
  • Mules and Asses
  • Pests’ e.g. rats and scorpions
  • Insects excluding locusts
Source of article

Haram Fluids

  • All types of alcohol
  • Blood
  • Intoxicating of all types, including alcohol and drugs
Source of article

MECHANICAL SLAUGHTER IN ISLAM

The most common practice found in a majority of the larger abattoirs is machine slaughter or mechanical slaughter. This is when the slaughter is carried out by a mechanical rotating blades with no Muslim slaughterman present either to perform the slaughter, or to recite the ‘Tasmiyah’ on each individual slaughter. Thousands of chickens are slaughtered in this manner daily. Again, the practice of blessing the blades, playing prerecorded bismillah or even appointing a Muslim to recite bismillah as he switches the machinery on, is common instead of reciting bismillah on each and every animal slaughtered manually. This practice is directly against the teaching of Islam and will not serve to conduct a Halal slaughter.

The following are fatwas and comments by prominent Islamic scholars regarding mechanical slaughter in Islam:

  1. Mechanical Slaughter
    Mufti Ebrahim Desai

  2. Mechanical Animal Slaughter
    Mufti Muhammad ibn Adam al-Kawthari

  3. Mechanical Slaughter
    Mufti Allah Bakhsh (urdu)

  4. Mechanical Slaughter
    Darul Iftaa, Karachi, verified by Mufti M. Taqi Usmani (urdu)

  5. Mechanical Slaughter
    Darul Iftaa, Karachi (translation of above)
Source of article

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

What is a Natural Flavor?

What is natural? What is artificial? Does it even matter?

Paul Bass is suing supplement company Nature Made. He claims that he was tricked into believing their synthetic Vitamin E pills were made from natural sources.

Nature Made?
The issue here is one of a deceptive brand. Having the words "Nature Made" across every product would lead you to believe that the product came from natural sources. The Nutrisuplaw blog goes onto explain the differences between natural and synthetic Vitamin E.

What is Natural Flavoring?
This leads to an interesting question regarding the word natural. On many food labels, you will find an ingredient called "natural flavor". What exactly is a natural flavor?

According to the US Code of Federal Regulations*, a natural flavor or flavoring is:

...the essential oil, oleoresin, essence or extractive, protein hydrolysate, distillate, or any product of roasting, heating or enzymolysis, which contains the flavoring constituents derived from a spice, fruit or fruit juice, vegetable or vegetable juice, edible yeast, herb, bark, bud, root, leaf or similar plant material, meat, seafood, poultry, eggs, dairy products, or fermentation products thereof, whose significant function in food is flavoring rather than nutritional.

Eric Schlosser, in his book Fast Food Nation, makes this statement:

Consumers prefer to see natural flavors on a label, out of a belief that they are more healthful. Distinctions between artificial and natural flavors can be arbitrary and somewhat absurd, based more on how the flavor has been made than on what it actually contains. (via Truthseeker)


Schlosser claims that it is an issue of extraction process rather than substance.

A natural flavor is not necessarily more healthful or purer than an artificial one. When almond flavor -- benzaldehyde -- is derived from natural sources, such as peach and apricot pits, it contains traces of hydrogen cyanide, a deadly poison. Benzaldehyde derived by mixing oil of clove and amyl acetate does not contain any cyanide. Nevertheless, it is legally considered an artificial flavor and sells at a much lower price. Natural and artificial flavors are now manufactured at the same chemical plants, places that few people would associate with Mother Nature.


What is natural or artificial may not necessarily give us a clue as to the quality of the food. Eat Rhubarb leaves and you will get sick. If you have an allergic disposition then any number of natural foods may potentially be harmful allergens.

How Complicated Should It Be?
Many food labels require you to have a degree in chemistry in order to understand what is in the food. Most of us know Sodium chloride (salt) - but what about diacetyl tartaric acid ester of mono-diglycerides?

Do we need to understand every component in a food? How on earth do we wade through the overwhelming amount of nutritional information and determine what is healthful and what is harmful?

*In order to read the regulations for flavorings - you need to go to the US CFR site, and search for the term "natural flavor". The first document returned will have the appropriate information.




Source

Sunday, January 4, 2009

Cheese contains rennet from PIGS. ?????

MYTH: Cheese contains rennet from PIGS.

Does animal rennet for cheese come from PIGS?
NO. Animal rennet must come from the same species of animal as the milk being used in for cheese. Calf-rennet is used to produce cows milk cheese, lamb-rennet produces sheep milk cheese, and kid-rennet to produces goats milk cheese. Each type of animal produces a unique type of rennet to curdle the milk produced by that species. Kid-rennet will not curdle cows milk or turn it into cheese. Rennet or digestion enzymes from other animals, like swine-pepsin, are not used in cheese production.

What is Rennet?
ANIMAL RENNET is a natural complex of enzymes produced in the stomachs of nursing calves (young cows or buffalo), lambs, and kids (young goats), as well as other mammalian (milk producing) animals such as moose, camel and deer. The enzyme chymosin (rennin) found in rennet makes mothers' milk digestible for the young, turning it into a cheese-like substance.

As mentioned above, animal rennet must come from the stomach of a nursing (milk-fed) calf, kid or lamb—depending on the milk used to make the cheese. For this reason, Muslims who insist on zabihah may choose to avoid cheeses made with animal rennet. Cheeses made using animal rennet are not kosher cheeses, due to the kashrut prohibition against mixing meat and dairy products in the same meal.

GM RENNET ("Chymostar™") is a type of rennet produced by genetically modified mold (mucor miehei) or bacteria (e. coli, asperigillus niger var awamori or k. lacti). Rennet-producing DNA from a calf is introduced into the microbe's DNA so that it produces rennet identical to that which a calf produces.

Because calf rennet is produced by the microbes, animals are not slaughtered in the production process. Genetically modified rennet is safe for Muslims who insist on zabihah. GM rennet is used extensively (75%-80%) in the commercial cheese production.

VEGETABLE RENNET is a microbial rennet extracted from mold (usually mucor miehei). It has no animal origin. This is the rennet used by those who do not want to use any animal products in their cheese other than the milk. This will pass as vegetarian. Vegetable rennet is found in Kosher cheeses.



SOURCE

Sugar Alcohols contain ALCOHOL........ WRONG!?!?!?

MYTH: Sugar Alcohols contain ALCOHOL.

What are Sugar Alcohols?

Sugar alcohols (also known as a polyol, polyhydric alcohol, or polyalcohol) are carbohydrates (sugar or starch), that have been modified to contain a hydroxyl group. It is this hydroxyl group that classifies it, chemically, as an alcohol. Sugar alcohols are commonly used for replacing sucrose (sugar) in foodstuffs, often in combination with high intensity artificial sweeteners to counter the low sweetness.

Some common sugar alcohols:

Arabitol
Isomalt
Mannitol
Erythritol
Isomannitol
Ribitol
Glycol Lactitol
Sorbitol
Glycerol (glycerine)
Maltitol
Xylitol


Do Sugar Alcohols contain ALCOHOL?

Yes, and No. Sugar Alcohols are not made with, nor do they contain what we commonly refer to as ALCOHOL (ethanol). Yet they all fall into the chemical class 'alcohol' because like all compounds of its class, they contain a hydroxyl group (-OH) is bound to a carbon atom of an alkyl or substituted alkyl group.

Sugar Alcohols are not produced using the alcoholic fermentation process in the way that alcoholic beverages such as beer or wine are produced. Nor are they distilled in the way that gin, vodka or whiskey are. Nor do they contain the alcohol known as ethanol (ethyl alcohol), which is the type of alcohol that is present in all the alcoholic beverages mentioned above.


Are Sugar Alcohols allowed in Muslim countries?

Yes. Sugar alcohols are halal. They have been approved for use in foods in Muslim countries such as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Qatar. This table provides regulatory information for various sugar alcohols for the countries of Qatar and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

SAUDI ARABIA permits:

isomalt
sorbitol and sorbitol syrup (E420)
mannitol (E421)
maltitol (E965)
maltitol syrup
lactitol (E966)
xylitol (E967) In accordance with good manufacturing practices in chewing gum, chocolate, confectioneny, bakery products, jams, jellies and marmalades, breakfast cereals and puddings.

Food manufacturers must only warn that mannitol, sorbitol and xylitol may cause diarrhea.


QATAR permits:

sorbitol and sorbitol syrup (E420)
mannitol (E421)
isomannitol (E953)
maltitol (E965)
lactitol (E966)
xylitol (E967)



SOURCE

Cooking with alcohol


















































Alcohol that has been... ... has this much ethanol (alcohol) remaining.
   added to boiling liquid, then removed from heat
85%
   set on fire, flamed, 'flambé'
75%
   left uncovered at room temperature, overnight
70%
   baked, 25 minutes, alcohol not stirred into mixture
45%
   baked/simmered, alcohol stirred into mixture:
      for 15 minutes
40%
      for 30 minutes
35%
      for 1 hour (60 minutes)
25%
      for 1.5 hours (90 minutes)
20%
      for 2 hours (120 minutes)
10%
      for 2.5 hours (150 minutes)
5%

Saudi Meat import Laws

Taken from a document detailing Saudia Laws regarding food Imports..


VII. OTHER SPECIFIC STANDARDS AND REQUIREMENTS
A. Certificate of Islamic Slaughter
Per Saudi Arabia Standard No. SSA 630/1990 (Animal Slaughtering Requirements According
to Islamic Law), a Certificate of Islamic Slaughter must be issued for all meat and poultry
products entering the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This certificate issued by Islamic institutions
recognized by the Saudi Embassy or Consulates in the United States. Information related to
the approved Islamic institutions may be obtained from the Saudi Embassy in Washington or
the nearest Saudi Consulate (New York, Houston, or Los Angeles). Such certificates contain
language certifying Islamic slaughter. The following language was taken from a recently
issued Islamic Slaughtering certificate issued in the United States:

“ This is to certify that an Islamic representative inspected the above
slaughter facility. The healthy animals/and or/poultry were inspected within
12 hours previous to slaughter by the United States Department of Agriculture
official veterinarian. After processing, inspection was made and approved by
the USDA Government Health inspector. Further, the animals and /or poultry were slaughtered under the following statement,

“slaughtered and processed in the name of God, the Almighty, Most Gracious, Most Merciful, God is Greatest.” Bismillahi Rahmani Rahim-Allahu Akbar. The animals and /or poultry covered by this certificate were slaughtered by means of a sharp knife, cutting through the skin, jugular vein, and trachea, to result in thorough bleeding of the carcass in preparation for dressing and evisceration.


GAIN Report - SA6008 Page 16 of 30
UNCLASSIFIED USDA Foreign Agricultural 16 Service

C. Frozen Chickens
SSA 117/1979 deals with frozen chickens standard. Per the regulation, imported frozen
chickens must meet the Islamic slaughtering requirements mentioned above. The standard
also calls for salmonella testing for imported frozen chickens. If the result of the test is
positive in more than one sample out of five samples tested, the whole shipment is rejected.

D. Animal Feed Requirements:
In 2001, the Saudi Ministry of Commerce issued a new requirement for poultry meat, beef
and further processed meat and poultry products imports to the Kingdom. This directive
requires that health certificates for imported poultry, and beef products clearly indicate that
the animal slaughtered was not fed animal protein, animal fats, or animal by-products
before it is allowed entry into the Kingdom. In January 2006, the Kingdom implemented a
two-certificate approach for U.S. poultry and bovine meat products exports. The two-stage
approach consists of: (1) an official FSIS export certificate and (2) a producer or
manufacturer self-certification to cover any additional requirements not related to food
safety or animal health. These requirements have sharply reduced imports of U.S. livestock
and poultry meat and products to the Kingdom.

Source

Chocolate Liquor

WHAT IS IT?
Chocolate Liquor, also known as ‘cocoa liquor’ and ‘cocoa mass’ is a smooth, thick, liquid form of chocolate. It is the purest form of chocolate, produced by grinding cacao beans. Chocolate liquor contains roughly 50% cocoa solids (cocoa powder) and 50% cocoa butter, the pale-yellow vegetable fat of the cacao bean. When it is cooled and molded into blocks, chocolate liquor is known as unsweetened baking chocolate.

Chocolate Liquor is the key ingredient in chocolate. It is used as the base for cakes, brownies, cookies and candy bars. Chocolate in its most familiar form is made by mixing chocolate liquor with (more) cocoa butter or cocoa, sugar, soy lecithin and, often, milk. The cocoa to cocoa butter ratio determines the darkness and flavor intensity of the chocolate being produced. As with dark chocolate, the higher the cocoa content, the darker and richer the flavor. The higher the cocoa butter and milk content, the lighter the color and creamier the texture of the resulting chocolate. A prime example of a chocolate with a high cocoa butter and milk content is white chocolate. White chocolate contains no cocoa.


HOW IS IT MADE?Chocolate Liquor is produced by taking cocoa beans that have been fermented, dried, roasted, and separated from their shells. The fermentation process is to remove the fleshy, fruity pulp that surrounds the beans; the fatty beans, themselves, do not ferment. Grinding the processed beans releases the smooth, thick chocolate liquor from their centers. Cocoa should not be confused with the coca plant, which can be used to create cocaine.

MYTH: "Chocolate Liquor contains ALCOHOL."False.Chocolate liquor is distinct from ‘chocolate liqueur’, a chocolate flavored alcoholic beverage. Chocolate liquor contains NO ALCOHOL; it is simply a liquid form of chocolate. However, ‘chocolate liqueur,’ also known as ‘crème de cacao,’ is a sweet alcoholic beverage flavored with chocolate. The alcoholic content of this liqueur can vary, but 20–25% alcohol by volume or 40–50 proof is common.

Source