E-numbers (Preservatives Halal / haram?)

Enumber Description Status

E200	Sorbic Acid Preservative	Halal
E201	Soduim Sorbate Preservative	Halal
E202	Potassium Sorbate Preservative	Halal
E203	Calcium Sorbate Preservative	Halal
E210	Benzoic Acid Preservative	Halal
E211	Sodium Benzoate Preservative	Halal
E212	Potassium Benzoate Preservative	Halal
E220	Sulphur Dioxide Preservative	Halal
E221	Sodium Sulphite Preservative	Halal
E222	Sodium Hydrogen Sulphite Preservative	Halal
E223	Sodium Metabisulphite Preservative	Halal
E224	Potassium Metabisulphite Preservative	Halal
E226	Calcium Sulphite Preservative	Halal
E239	Hexamine Preservative - other	Halal
E249	Potassium Nitrate Preservative	Halal
E250	Sodium Nitrite Preservative	Halal
E251	Sodium Nitrate Preservative	Halal
E252	PotassiumNitrate(Saltpetre) Preservative	Halal
E230	Biphenyl / Diphenyl Preservative
Halal, if no alcohol is used as a solvent
E231	2-Hydroxybiphenyl Preservative
Halal, if no alcohol is used as a solvent
E232	Sodium Biphenyl-2-yl Oxide Preservative
Halal, if no alcohol is used as a solvent
E233	2-(Thiazol-4-yl) Benzimidazole Preservative
Halal, if no alcohol is used as a solvent
E214	Ethyl 4-hydroxybenzoate Preservative
Halal, if used as 100% dry powder or granular. Haram if alcohol is used as a solvent
E216	Propyl 4-hydroxybenzoate Preservative
Halal, if used as 100% dry powder or granular. Haram if alcohol is used as a solvent
E217	Propyl 4-hydroxybenzoate, Sodium Salt Preservative
Halal, if used as 100% dry powder or granular. Haram if alcohol is used as a solvent
E218	Methyl 4-hydroxybenzoate Preservative
Halal, if used as 100% dry powder or granular. Haram if alcohol is used as a solvent
E219	Methyl 4-hydroxybenzoate, Sodium Salt Preservative
Halal, if used as 100% dry powder or granular. Haram if alcohol is used as a solvent
E227	Calcium Hydrogen Sulphite Preservative
Halal, if calcium is obtained from mineral or chemicals. Mushbooh if it is obtained from bones.
E213	Calcium Benzoate Preservative
Halal, if calcium obtained from mineral, Mushbooh if it is obtained from bones.
E215	Ethyl 4-hydroxybenzoate,
Sodium Salt Preservative Halal, if used as 100% dry powder or granular. Haram if alcohol is used as a solvent

e Number haram / halal list for Colours

E-Number	Name/Description	Halal Status
E171	Titanium Dioxide Color - Inorganic	Halal
E172	Iron Oxides and Hydroxides Color - Inorganic	Halal
E173	Aluminium Color - Inorganic	Halal
E174	Silver Color - Inorganic	Halal
E175	Gold Color - Inorganic	Halal
E160b	Annatto, Bixin, Norbixin Color - Carotene	Halal
E150(a-d)	Caramel Color/with chemicals Color	Halal
E102	Tartrazine Color	Mushbooh
E104	Quinoline Yellow Color	Mushbooh
E110	Sunset Yellow FCF /Orange Yellow S Color	Mushbooh
E122	Carmoisine / Azorubine Color	Mushbooh
E123	Amaranth Color	Mushbooh
E124	Ponceau 4R / Cochineal Red A Color	Mushbooh
E127	Erythrosine BS Color	Mushbooh
E131	Patent Blue V Color	Mushbooh
E151	Black PN / Brilliant Black BN Color	Mushbooh
E153	Carbon Black / Vegetable Carbon (Charcoal) Color	Mushbooh
E160a	Alpha, Beta, Gamma Color – Carotene	Mushbooh
E160c	Capsanthin / Capsorbin Color- Carotene	Mushbooh
E160d	Lycopene Color – Carotene	Mushbooh
E161a	Flavoxanthin Color	Mushbooh
E161c	Cryptoxanthin Color	Mushbooh
E161d	Rubixanthin Color	Mushbooh
E161e	Violaxanthin Color	Mushbooh
E161f	Rhodoxanthin Color	Mushbooh
E161g	Canthaxanthin Color	Mushbooh
E162	Beetroot Red / Betanin Color	Mushbooh
E163	Anthocyanins Color	Mushbooh
E180	Pigment Rubine / Lithol Rubine BK Color - Inorganic	Mushbooh
*Mushbooh = Halal if used as 100% dry color. Mushbooh if used as liquid color, the solvent has to be Halal
E100	Curcumin/Turmeric Color
Halal if pure grind turmeric powder or granular. Mushbooh if used as liquid, the solvents has to be Halal. Haram if hidden ingredient is pork fat based emulsifier in dry mix.
E101	Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) Color
Mushbooh (Haram if from pork liver & Kidney, Halal if 100% plant material
E132	Indigo Carmine / Idigotine Color
Halal if use as is as a 100% synthetic color but if pork glycerin is added as a solvent then it is Haram
E141	Copper Complex of Chlorophyll Color
Halal if use 100% powder or Halal if water or vegetable oil was used as a solvent
E142	Green S / Acid Brilliant Green BS Color
Halals if used as 100% dry color. Mushbooh if used as liquid color, the solvent has to be Halal
E160e	Beta-apo-8-carotenal Color - Carotene
Halal if used as 100% dry powder or granular or Halal if vegetable oil is used as a solvent in liquid form as a hidden ingredient. Haram if pork gelatin is used as hidden ingredient or carrier
E160f	Ethyl ester of Beta-apo-8- cartonoic acid Color - Carotene
Halal if used as 100% dry powder or granular or Halal if vegetable oil is used as a solvent in liquid form as a hidden ingredient. Haram if pork gelatin is used as hidden ingredient or carrier
E161b	Lutein Color
Halal if used as 100% dry powder or granular. Haram if pork gelatin or pork glycerin is added in dry or liquid form
E170	Calcium Carbonate (Chalk) Color - Inorganic
Halal if obtained from rock mineral and used as 100% dry powder or granular. Mushbooh if used as liquid, solvent has to be Halal

Oreo Cookies Halal? (email UPDATE)

IsItHaram.com to me

show details 9:42 PM (16 hours ago)

We saw that someone had posted a comment on your blog, in response to your reposting of a portion of SPOTLIGHT HALAL: OREO COOKIES. "Anonymous" said that Lowfat Oreos were 'haram'. We believe that his comment is because low-fat Oreos in the U.S. contain glycerin. Glycerin allows Oreos to reduce the fat content of the cookie, while maintaining the 'fat feel' on the eater's tongue.

We looked into it further, and found that the Reduced Fat version of Oreos are certified kosher by the Orthodox Union, which means that the glycerin is not pork-derived. In addition, currently, glycerin is allowed in food imported into Saudi Arabia.

Hope this helps.

--IsItHaram.com

This email is from the people at IsItHaram.com and is pretty selfexplanatory... referring to the following article.. Click here

FRITO LAY CANADA (LAYS CHIPS) SEASONED PRODUCTS MADE WITHOUT PORCINE (PORK) ENZYMES

Products Made and Distributed in Canada

Last Update 09/29/2008

BAKED! CHEETOS® Crunchy Cheese Flavoured Snacks

CHEETOS® Crunchy Cheese Flavoured Snacks

CHEETOS® Puffs Cheese Flavoured Snacks

DORITOS® Bold BBQ Flavoured Tortilla Chips

DORITOS® Cool Ranch Flavoured Tortilla Chips

DORITOS® Sweet Chili Heat! Flavoured Tortilla Chips

FRITOS® BBQ Flavoured Corn Chips

LAY'S® Bar-B-Que Flavoured Potato Chips

LAY'S® Dill Pickle Flavoured Potato Chips

LAY'S® Fries & Gravy Flavoured Potato Chips

LAY'S® Ketchup Flavoured Potato Chips

LAY'S® Old Fashioned BBQ Flavoured Potato Chips

LAY'S® Roast Chicken Flavoured Potato Chips

LAY'S® Salt & Vinegar Flavoured Potato Chips

LAY'S® Sea Salt & Pepper Flavoured Potato Chips

LAY'S® Smokey Bacon Flavoured Potato Chips (artificial bacon flavor)

LAY'S® Sour Cream & Onion Flavoured Potato Chips

LAY'S® Spicy Curry Flavoured Potato Chips

LAY’S® STAX® BBQ Flavoured Potato Crisps

LAY'S® STAX® Cheddar Flavoured Potato Crisps

LAY'S® STAX® Original Potato Crisps

LAY’S® STAX® Ranch Flavoured Potato Crisps

LAY’S® STAX® Salt & Vinegar Flavoured Potato Crisps

LAY’S® STAX® Sour Cream & Onion Flavoured Potato Crisp

LAY'S® Wavy Old Fashioned BBQ Flavoured Potato Chips

RUFFLES® All Dressed Flavoured Potato Chips

RUFFLES® BBQ Flavoured Potato Chips

RUFFLES® Sour Cream & Bacon Flavoured Potato Chips (artificial bacon flavor)

RUFFLES® Sour Cream & Onion Flavoured Potato Chips

SMARTFOOD® White Cheddar Cheese Flavoured Popcorn

SUNCHIPS® French Onion Flavour Multi-Grain Snacks

SUNCHIPS® Garden Salsa Flavour Multi-Grain Snacks

TOSTITOS® Restaurant Style with a Hint of Lime Flavoured Tortilla Chips

TOSTITOS® Spinach Flavoured Dip

Information contained in this document should be copied or reproduced in its entirety.

We make every effort to maintain this list to the best of our knowledge. All Frito Lay products are labeled accurately with the most current ingredient information. Ingredients and their components are subject to change at any time. We maintain this list to assist our customers in making snack choices. If you need assistance, please contact Frito Lay Canada Consumer Response Centre toll-free at 1-800-376-2257 Monday through Friday between 10:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.

Belvoir Fruit Farms 2009

Last Updated: 24/03/2009 ALL THE FOLLOWING ARE HALAAL Apple and Blueberry Good Stuff Apple and Elderflower Good Stuff Blackberry and Apple Cordial (Alcoholic Flavourings) Cranberry Presse Elderflower Cordial Elderflower Presse Elderflower, Gooseberry and Muscat Grape Cordial Ginger Cordial (Alcoholic Flavourings) Gooseberry and Mint Cordial (Alcoholic Flavourings) Lime and Lemongrass Cordial Lime and Lemongrass Presse Organic Apple and Pear Cordial Organic Blackcurrant Cordial Organic Blood Orange and Mandarin Cordial Organic Blood Orange and Mandarin Presse Organic Blueberry Cordial Organic Cranberry Cordial Organic Elderflower Cordial Organic Elderflower Presse Organic Ginger Beer (Alcoholic Flavourings) Organic Ginger Cordial Organic Lemonade Passionfruit and Mango Cordial (Alcoholic Flavourings) Pear and Elderflower Presse Pear and Raspberry Good Stuff Pineapple & Grapefruit Good Stuff Pomegranate and Raspberry Cordial (Alcoholic Flavourings) Pomegranate and Raspberry Presse Raspberry and Rose Cordial (Alcoholic Flavourings) Rhubarb and Ginger Good Stuff Summer Berries Cordial (Alcoholic Flavourings) Summer Cooler (Alcoholic Flavourings) Winter Berries Cordial 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: http://www.gmwa.org.uk/foodguide2/index.php?page=viewquestion&id=200 Source

Weight watchers whole wheat bread

100% Whole Wheat Bread (1 POINTS value per serving)



Weston Foods Customer Service (WFEC
REPLY FROM weight watchers customer service


Fri, Mar 27, 2009 at 11:20 AM
FW: Help: Winning Points [#22958986]

Dear Valued Customer:

We thank you for your e-mail. Please be advised that all fats, shortenings and micro ingredients (such as mono/di-glycerides and dough conditioners) we use in the product mentioned below are of vegetable source.

Should you have further questions concerning any of our products, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Sincerely,

Customer Service

ORIGINAL QUESTION

From: Weight Watchers [mailto:WinningPoints@weightwatchers.ca]
Sent: Friday, March 27, 2009 11:15 AM
To: Weston Foods Customer Service (WFEC); MMedaglia@gwbakeries.com
Subject: Fwd: Help: Winning Points [#22958986]

--Original Message--
Date: 3/26/2009 2:02:52 PM
To: WinningPoints@weightwatchers.ca
Subject: Help: Winning Points

User Number:
Server: www.weightwatchers.ca
Date: 26/03/2009

Questions: Hi there

i have bought one of your:

"Weight Watchers 100% whole wheat breads"

I need to find out regarding the ingredients of this product whether they contain any animal ingredients used at any time during the manufacturing process or not.

And specifically the source of
a) Mono and Diglycerides
b) Sodium Stearoyl -2 Lactylate
3) Monoglycerides

Thanks a lot

regards

abc xyz

Pig Fat (Updated) email probably inaccurate....

In the Name of Allah, the Inspirer of Truth.
Assalamu Alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh

The article is highly dramatised, but unfortunAtely does not back up any of the claims. We regard this email as vastly heresay and folklore, unless otherwise backed up with hard facts.

If you receive this pig fat E-mail, please do not forward it onto others, as it just dupes more and more people, and it does its rounds.

Muslims should NOT be "fast-forwarders", but think about what they are relaying to others, and whether it holds any merit.

And Allah knows Best
Wa Alaykumussalaam Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh
http://www.foodguide.org.uk

Please subscribe to our Foodguide Newsletter from the Web-Site.

source of above information

The above information is referring to the following email going around in peoples inboxes which was also posted onto this site aswell.. original text of email can be found in this link written supposedly by a "DR M Liaqut"

NEW INFORMATION ON YEAST EXTRACT AND TORULA YEAST

MCG recently investegated the Yeast Extract, Torula Yeast products from some manufacturer and distributor in USA and findout the current source of Yeast Extract and Torula Yeast. According to yeast manufacturer:

1. Yeast Extract or Autolyzed Yeast Extract from by product of beer making:

The only two categories of food products which use the yeast extract or autolyzed yeast extract are Cheese Crackers and Cheese products because of its harsh and bitter taste. The type of yeast is Brewer Yeast.

2. Yeast Extract or Autolyzed Yeast Extract from Baker's Yeast:

Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast or Baker's Yeast(Halal) is used in manufacture of yeast extract or autolyzed yeast or extract in food products other than cheese crackers or cheeses such as soups, fruits, and other foods etc. So if you see Yeast Extract or Autolyzed Yeast or extract in food products other than cheese crackers and chees, it means the Yeast Extract or Autolyzed Yeast or Extract is from Baker's yeast and it is Halal.

3. Torula Yeast:

According to manufacturer currently the Torula Yeast is manufactured from sugar source such as Molasses or corn by many manufacturer. They stop manufacturing Torula yeast from alcohol or waste paper.

4.Inactive Yeast:

Yeast cells are pasteurized to inactive them. Mostly from Baker's yeast which is a Halal yeast.

Source

Altoids© Mints

WHAT IS IT?

Altoids are a popular brand of breath mints marketed under the slogan "The Original Celebrated Curiously Strong Mints." Though the brand is owned by Wrigley, the confections have been manufactured and produced by Callard & Bowser-Suchard in Wales, the United Kingdom, since the early 1800's.^[1]

Altoids mints are much stronger than typical mints; the secret of their strength lies in the use of real peppermint oil in the recipe. Because of this strong mintiness, Altoids are often chosen as a breath freshener as well as an after-coffee mint. Altoids mints are currently available in eight flavors: peppermint, wintergreen, spearmint, cinnamon, ginger, liquorice, chocolate, and crème de menthe.

HOW IS IT MADE?
All Altoid mints, including Chocolate-Covered Altoids contain: SUGAR, GUM ARABIC, ARTIFICIAL OR NATURAL FLAVOR (OIL OF PEPPERMINT), and GELATIN.^[2] Chocolate-Covered Altoids contain CONFECTIONER'S GLAZE, another name for shellac which is made from crushed and processed insect cocoons.^[3] Shellac is used as a glaze on food and medicine to provide a shiny coating.

Altoid Sours, Altoid Gum, and Altoid Mini products do not contain gelatin or shellac.

Due to the presence of shellac and gelatin(most likely from pork) it is very highly recommended to avoid these products or atleast research before you consume these..

Source

RECIPE: Halal Chicken Marsala

This is our halal twist on The Olive Garden's Chicken Marsala recipe. Instead of red wine, it uses pomegranate syrup (دبس رمان) to add flavor and body.

INGREDIENTS

4 chicken breasts, boneless & skinless
½ cup flour
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tbsp dried oregano
4 tbsp (¼ cup) olive oil
4 tbsp (¼ cup) butter
2 large sweet Vidalia onions, thinly sliced
2 cups fresh mushrooms, washed and sliced
1/3 cup pomegranate syrup,
or, 1 cup unsweetened pomegranate juice
Water, as needed

DIRECTIONS

1. WASH chicken breasts in mixture of water and vinegar then pat dry using a paper towel.

2. POUND chicken breasts between sheets of plastic wrap until about 1/2" (1 cm.) thick.

3. COMBINE flour, salt, pepper and oregano in a mixing bowl or ziploc bag. Coat chicken pieces
in the flour, shaking off any excess.

4. HEAT oil and butter together in a skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken breasts on
medium heat for about 2 minutes on the first side, until lightly browned. Turn breasts over
to cook other side. Cook breasts about 2 more minutes, until both sides are lightly browned,
but not cooked through.

5. REMOVE chicken and set aside.

6. ADD onions and mushrooms to pan, stirring occassionally until onions turn transparent. Add
pomegranate syrup and stir. Then place the chicken breasts back in the pan, coating with
the onion mushroom sauce.

7. COVER, lower heat and simmer for about 15 minutes. Add water, in small amounts, as
needed to keep from burning.

8. TRANSFER to serving plate.

9. SERVE with potatos or pasta.

Source

The Islamic Laws of Animal Slaughter

By Mufti Muhammad Taqi Usmani [Bio]
Translated by Amir A. Toft

Product Details
No. of Pages: 160
Format: Softcover
Dimensions: 5.5" x 8.5"
ISBN: 1-933764-01-5
Pub. Date: May 2006

There is a growing sense of concern today among consumers, Muslim and non-Muslim alike, about the healthfulness of what they eat. Health food stores have gained a prominent status in the US, and many consumers review every last ingredient listed in a food item’s nutritional facts list to ensure that they meet their dietary standards. Muslims must be even more conscientious of what they consume, as a Muslim’s diet must, above all, be lawful (halal) under Islamic law, as well as wholesome (tayyib). The Qur’an states, “O people, eat from whatever is upon the earth that is lawful and wholesome” (2:168).

Of all types of food, one that has become the cause of controversy among Muslims the world over is slaughtered meat. Muslim sources without the guidance of scholars have spread inaccurate information about Islam’s rules and regulations for animal slaughter, leaving Muslims confused about the facts. Authored by a Muslim scholar recognized worldwide for his mastery of Islamic jurisprudence, The Islamic Laws of Animal Slaughter clears up the confusion. The author presents a brief, structured analysis of Islam’s laws for animal slaughter, as well an overview of their practical application in the modern world. A couple of articles, appended specially for this translation, round off the discussion by addressing matters particularly relevant to Muslims in the US and other Western nations.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“An engaging, enlightening, and intellectually thought-provoking work that reassures Muslims that it is still possible to consume Halal and pure sustenance in this extremely complex world.” —Halal Monitoring Committee (HMC), UK

“Mufti Usmani has given a scholarly explanation of the ritual laws of animal slaughter, which every Muslim, particularly those living in the West, must be acquainted with in order to practice their din correctly.” —Mohammad Mazhar Hussaini, Director of Halal Program, Islamic Society of North America (ISNA)

“The first English work on this subject that treats modern concerns and is yet thorough, scholarly, authentic, and accessible to a general audience.” —South African National Halaal Authority (SANHA)

“By far the best work on the subject available to the English-speaking reader.” —Dr. Muhammad Munir Chaudry,
Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America (IFANCA)

“A must read for any Muslim who wishes to consume the permissible and steer clear of the forbidden, based on the teachings of Allah and His beloved Messenger (upon him be peace).” —Halal Monitoring Authority (HMA), Canadian Council of Muslim Theologians

Translation undertaken by permission and authorization of the author.

Order through Al-Rashad Books & Gifts.

Diet of a muslim (Very important!)

The diet of a muslim is unquestionably one of the most important matters that Islamic law addresses. The stern, unequivocal command of Allah az o wa jal and His messenger |Sal laho alaihe wa sal'lam| to eat what is lawful (Halal) show why this is so. In one verse of the Qur'an, Allah subhana wa ta'ala says, "O people, eat from whatever is upon the earth that is lawful and wholesome" (Qur'an 2:168).

In a rigorously authenticated (sahih) hadith. Abu Hurayra |RadiAllaho unho| relates,

The messenger of Allah |Sal lal laho alaihe wasl'lam said 'O people! indeed Allah is pure; He does not accept anything but what is pure. And Allah has commanded of the believers what he has commanded of the messengers. He says, "O messengers, eat of what is wholesome and do righteous deeds. Indeed, I am all-knowing of what you do" (Qur'an 23:51). And he says, "O you who belive, eat of the wholesome things that We have provided you" (Qur'an :172). He then related the story of a person who has traveled a long way [for some righteous purpose], and whose clothes have becomme tattered and dirtied. He extends his hands to the heavens, sayin, ' O my Lord! O my Lord!' But what he has eatin is unlawful (haram), and what he has drunk is unlawful, and what he wears is unlawful, and he has been nourished with what is unlawful -- So how can he be answered?" (Sahih Muslim)

By putting in the any food or drink that Allah, the Creator of the Worlds, has deemed unlawful and impure, our bodies become reservoirs for impurity. Just as a Muslim's prayer is unacceptable if he or she is in a state of outward physical impurity, how can our prayers or our supplications or any of our other acts of worship deserve to be accepted if we offer them while impurity runs through the veins of our bodies?

Therefore, from both a practical and, more importantly, from a textual perspective, there is no question that we as Muslims have a solemn religious duty to learn the laws of Islam regarding lawful food and drink and make every effort to adhere to them.

(The Islamic Laws of Animal Slaughter - Mufti Muhammad Taqi Usmani pg 11-12)

Alcohol in deodorant / Perfume haram or halal?

Bismiha-Ta'ala

The general rule on the use of alcohol based perfumes/deodrants, etc is that if the alcohol has been extracted from grapes or dates their use will be forbidden since this is Najis (impure) and will thus make the body and clothes impure.

If the deodrants/perfume is made from synthetic/chemical alcohol, extracted and manufactured from items besides grapes or dates, then the use of such products is permissible.

Hazrat Mufti M. Taqi Usmani Saheb, (A leading contemporary scholar of Pakistan) writes in his commentary of Sahih Muslim, "The majority of alcohol used in medication and perfumes is not manufactured from grapes and dates, it is extracted from grains, peels or petroleum etc." (Takmilah Fathul-Mulhim Vol. 3 Page. 608)

Before using such products, it is advisable from the Shar'ee point of view to check with the manufacturers on the type of alcohol used. (i.e. whether natural or synthetic based).

Allah SWT Knows Best.

(Mufti) Abdullah Patel

Source

New blog on the horizon...

Check out my new blog...

its called:

"@mazing / Interesting / Funny / Weird / Wonderful"

http://islamification.blogspot.com/

jazak Allah khair..

Glycerin why is it haram?? (or not..)

WHAT IS GLYCERIN? CHEMISTRY & REGULATORY INFORMATION
Glycerine is a clear, thick, slippery substance used as a thickener, low-calorie sweetener, and emulsifier in foods and medications as well as an humectant (moisturizer) in health and beauty products. The source of glycerine may be animal fat, vegetable oil or the toxic petro-chemical epichlorohydrin. The processes used to produce glycerine may be either saponification (soap-making), or transesterification (the catalytic reaction of an oil with an alcohol [methanol or ethanol]).

Until recently, much of the world's glycerine was produced from the chemical 'epichlorohydrin' which is derived from petroleum (crude oil), not from animals. Today, however, most of the world's glycerin is produced as a by-product of biodiesel fuel production. The production of bio diesel entails collecting large amounts of animal and vegetable fat waste from restaurants and putting it through the transesterification process. Glycerin is a 10% waste-product of the bio diesel production process. Large scale production of biodiesel, especially in the European Union, has led to an excess of crude glycerin in the market, making the epichlorohydrin process no longer economical.^[4]

The current published food import regulations of the countries of Qatar^[5] and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia^[6] permit glycerin in food products imported into their countries. It is uncertain as to whether these regulations will be reviewed or modified, given the recent shift away from petro-chemical sources and towards restaurant waste fats, the raw form of which contain some degree of pig fat.

AMNA RECOMMENDS
It is very possible that recent changes to glycerine production methods may impact its allowability in foods imported into Saudi Arabia and Qatar. For this reason, AMNA places glycerin into the "doubtful" category.

Source

Oreo Cookies Halal? (Updated)

Spotlight Halal: Oreo™ Cookies

WHAT IS IT?
Oreos™ are brand of snack cookies produced by Nabisco. The classic Oreo is made of two rich, near black chocolate wafers separated by a white creamy filling. They are the best-selling cookie in the U.S. In fact, over 362 billion Oreos have been sold since the cookie was first introduced in 1912, making it the best selling cookie of the 20th century. For the first 85 years of their manufacture, Oreo™ Cookies were made with animal fat.

The rich chocolate flavor of Oreos is so popular that it is found in recipes for milkshakes, cheesecakes, ice cream sundaes, pie crusts, pudding, breakfast bars, cakes and all types of chocolaty sweets.

HOW IS IT MADE?
For the first 85 years of its manufacture, Oreos were made with animal fat. That started changing in the late 1980's and early 1990's when Nabisco began reformulating its recipe to use vegetable shortening.

In the year 1998, Oreo cookies in the U.S. became certified as not containing fat from pigs or other animals. Oreos are made with the artificial flavoring 'vanillin' and not with 'vanilla extract.' Vanilla extract contains alcohol (ethanol) which counters Islamic dietary requirements. Vegetable shortening and vanillin are used in all varieties of Oreo cookies.

Oreos contain: Sugar, Flour, Vegetable Oil, Cocoa Powder, Corn Syrup, Baking Soda, Cornstarch, Salt, Soy Lecithin, Vanillin and Chocolate.

WARNING LEVEL: NONE

This issue of "Spotlight Halal" was written upon the request of a reader who asked us to research Oreo cookies -- and for good reason.

UPDATE APR-07-2009 click here for further clarification as to why oreo cookies are halal...Click here

Source

Shellac = Insect candies yummy....

Spotlight Halal: Shellac Pharmaceutical Glaze (Beetlejuice, E904)

Shellac, used as a coating on aspirin and candies alike, is made from crushed insect cocoons.
Yummy.....

Left: Cocoons and larvae of the lac bug.
Right: Mature lac bug

WHAT IS IT?
Shellac is a resinous compound secreted by the female lac bug (also known as: kerria lacca, laccifer lacca, carteria lacca and tachardia lacca) to form its cocoon. Shellac is used as a coating on medicines and candies.

Shellac ranges in color from very light blond to very dark brown, with all shades of brown and yellow and orange and red in between. The color is influenced by the sap of the tree the lac bug is living on, as well as the time of harvest.

Because it is contains crushed insects, another name for shellac is beetlejuice. However, because of the negative connotation associated with these names, on drug and nutritional supplement (vitamin) product labeling, shellac may be generically referred to as either enteric coating, pharmaceutical glaze, confectioner's glaze, resinous glaze, pure food glaze or natural glaze. In the European Union, shellac is known by the E Number E904.

HOW IS IT MADE?

Shellac is scraped from the bark of the trees where the female lac bug deposits it to provide a sticky hold on the trunk. In the process of harvesting shellac, the insect may be crushed into the shellac resin.

Raw shellac, which contains bark shavings and lac bug parts, is heated over a fire causing it to liquify. The thick sticky shellac is then dried into flat sheets, broken up into flakes, bagged and sold. Flakes are dissolved in denatured alcohol to make liquid shellac.

It takes about 100,000 lac bugs to make 1 lb. of shellac flakes.

IN WHAT PRODUCTS IS THIS INGREDIENT FOUND?
Although commonly thought of as a wood stain and protectant, shellac is also used as a glazing agent on pills and candies. Glazing agents are food additives that provide a shiny appearance and protective coating to foods guarding against unwanted changes to color, smell, or appearance.

Skittles^® candies sold in the UK (United Kingdom) contain shellac as a glazing agent. [Skittles^® sold in the U.S. do not contain shellac, but do contain gelatin. In both countries, certain flavors contain the red food coloring cochineal (carmine, E120), derived from the crushed shells of the insect of the same name.] Shellac is sometimes used to replace the natural wax on apples which is removed during the cleaning process. In the pharmaceutical industry, shellac is used as an enteric coating on time-release medications, allowing the medicine to be absorbed in the intestinal tract, instead of in the stomach. It is used on safety coated aspirin products to prevent stomach irritation.

WARNING LEVEL: HIGH
Many of us don’t give it a second thought when we buy medicine for ourselves or for our children. A recent trip to the pharmacy drove home what a minefield the pharmacy is for the Muslim consumer. While shopping for supplements, we found that out of 30 products we found only ONE that neither contained alcohol (ethanol, ethyl alcohol), shellac nor gelatin.

AMNA RECOMMENDS
Read the Inactive Ingredients panel on drug and nutritional supplement product packaging, where the FDA requires shellac, alcohol and gelatin to be listed. Instead, choose medications and vitamin supplements made with the following vegetarian ingredients:

• Carnauba Wax, a natural wax coating derived from the leaves of the carnauba palm tree of Brazil.
• Cellulose-derived pharmaceutical coatings such as ethyl cellulose (E462), hypromellose (INN), and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC, E464), all derived from the cell walls of green plants.
• Vegetarian pharmaceutical thickeners and binders such as: methyl cellulose (or methylcellulose); hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC, E463); carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC, E466); cellulose acetate; microcrystalline cellulose (E460i), and powdered cellulose (E460ii).

Spotlight Halal is a newsletter and article series providing North American Muslims with practical information about food choices. Weekly, we tackle a problem food such as Clam Chowder, Lobster Bisque or Teriyaki Sauce. Spotlight Halal is published by the creators of IsItHaram.com and AMNA Muslim Food Advisor, a service rating more than 3,000 foods according to their likelihood of containing haram substances such as alcohol, pork, blood, vermin, toxins and the meats of predatory animals and donkey.

Source

Haram List/Ingredients of concern..... (updated)

All ingredients in "all" products should be checked on a regular basis...

having said that... these ingredients are to be looked out for... (list will be modified pending on further research). Some of these ingredients maybe Halal based on the source or depending on the madhab you follow and the amount of these ingredients being used.

Acetic Acid

Alanine

Albumin

Alpha Amylase

Ambergris

Amylase

Amylopectin (Polysaccherides)

Animal Shortening

Bacon

Beta Carotene

Bile Salts

Biotin

Butter fat Lipolyzed

Buttermilk Solids

Calcium Lactate

Calcium Mesoinositol Hexaphosphate

Calcium Stearate

Calcium Stearol Lactylate

Calcium Stearoyl Lactylate

Carmine (Cochineal)

Carminic Acid

Casein

Caseinates (Sodium & Calcium)

Catalase

Cheese Powder

Chelate

Choletsorol

Cholic Acid

Choline Bitartrate

Chymotrypsin

Cider (Hard) (Alcohol)

Civet, Absolute

CobalamineDisodium Inosinate

Cocaine

Cochineal

Codeine

Collagen

Colour

Confectioner's glaze

Cream Of Tartar (Tartaric Acid)

Cultured Cream Lipolyzed

Cultured Milk

Cysteine.L

D.E.S (sex Hormones)

DATEM, Diglyceride

Diglyceride

Disodium Guanilate

Dough Conditioners

Emulsifier Of Fat

Emulsifiers

Enrichement

Enteric coating

Ethoxylated Mono- and Diglycerides

Ethyl Vanillin

Ethylene Oxide

Fats

Fatty Acids

Fermented Malt

Folic Acid

Gelatin

Glutamic Acid

Glycerides

Glycerine

Glycerol

Glycerol Ester

Glycerol Monostearate

Glycine

Glycogen (Polysaccherides)

Gum Tragacanth

Ham (Hog)

Histamine

Hormones

Hydrolysed Vegetable Protein (Hvp)

Hydroxylated Lecithin

Inositol

Insulin (Porcine)

Invertase (Invertin)

Keratin

Lactose

Lard/Lard Shortening

Lecithin

Limit Dextrin

Lipids

Lysine, L And Dl Forms

Margarine

Mono And Diglycerides

Monoglycerides

Natural glaze

Natural Flavors (if any ingredient from pork fat)

Niacin

Oleic Acid

Ox Bile

Oxysterins

Para Amino Benzoic Acid

Pepsin

Pharmaceutical glaze

Phenyl Alanine

Phospholipid

Polyglycerol Esters Of Fatty Acids

Polyoxythylene Sorbitan Monostearate

Polysorbate

Polysorbate 60

Polysorbate 65

Polysorbate 80

Polyunsaturated

Pork

Potassium Caseinate

Propionic Acid

Propyl Gallate

Propylene Glycol Monostearate

Protease

Pure food glaze

Reduced Mineral Whey

Release Agents

Rennet Casein

Rennet Or Listed As Enzyme

Rennin (Rennet)

Resinous Glaze

Shellac

Shortenings

Sodium Caseinate

Sodium Propionate

Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate

Softeners

Sorbitan Monostearate

Sour Cream Solids (also with pork gelatin)

Soy Sauce

Sperm Oil

Spermaceti

Stearic Acid

Tartaric Acid

Thiamin

Tocopherol

Trypsin

Uric Acid

Vanilin

Vanilla Extract (Alcohol)

Vanilla Or Any Flavouring

Vegetable Shortening

Vinegar

Vitamin D3, B-12

Vitamin: Capsules (A,E,K)

Whey Protein Concentrate

Wine (Alcohol)

Yeast

Yeast (Brewer's Beer)

These ingredients may not always be haram or from Haram sources but research / investigating is required on the part of the consumer if the product containes / is processed with / extracted with / treated with / etc with any of these ingredients...

(Update Feb/18/09)

This is for all those "Halal is inhumane" idiots...

Halal is the perfect way for animal slaughter (Otherwise stick to your veggies)

These are excerpts taken from a study by Wilhelm Schultze and Dr. Hazim at the School of veterinary Medicine, Hanover University, Germany published early June 1977 to test out which is more humane.. the Muslim Halal way or the western captive bolt stunning...

The link for the full article is on the bottom this is just part of the findings of the study.. and some the conclusions... (don't buy into the "halal is inhumane" B.S)

HALAL vs Captive Bolt Stunning Report

Experiments for measuring the heart frequency and brain activity during slaughter conditions were carried out on 23 sheep and 15 calves. After implanting permanent electrodes into the Os frontale the cerebral cortex impulses were measured for 17 sheep and 10 calves during ritual slaughter and for 6 sheep and 5 calves during captive bolt application with subsequent bloodletting. Some sheep were additionally subjected to thermal pain stimuli after the ritual cut.

The investigations had the following results:

Slaughter by ritual cut (the halal humane way):

1. After the bloodletting cut the EEG initially is the same as the EEG before the cut (NO PAIN!). There is a high probability that the loss of reaction took place within 4 – 6 seconds for sheep and within 10 seconds for calves. (no pain and very quick death)

2. The zero line in the EEG was recorded no later than after 13 seconds for 17 sheep and no later than 23 seconds for 7 calves.

3. Thermal pain stimuli did not cause an increase in activity. (Even if you inflict pain externally it does not affect the animal anymore)

4. After the cut the heart frequency rose for calves within 40 seconds to 240 heart actions per minute and for sheep within 40 seconds to 280 heart actions per minute. (more heart beats = more bloodletting = cleaner / safer / tastier meat..)

In summary the following conclusions are possible:

Calves (Ritual / islamic cut)

After the bloodletting cut loss of reaction (loss of consciousness) occurred with high probability within 10 seconds. A clear reaction to the cut could not be detected in any animal. For 7 animals a zero EEG was recorded no later than after 23 seconds. Cramps occurred in the animals regularly only after the brain currents had stopped.

Sheep

After the bloodletting cut loss of reaction (loss of consciousness) occurred after 10 seconds the latest. A clear reaction to the cut could not be detected in any animal. The zero line was recorded no later than 14 seconds after the cut. Cramps only occurred after the zero line had been detected and were much shorter than after captive bolt stunning.

The slaughter in the form of ritual cut is, if carried out properly, painless in sheep and calves according to the EEG recordings and the missing defensive actions.

Slaughter after captive bolt application: (Inhumane western way)

1. After captive bolt stunning all animals displayed most severe general disturbances (waves of 1-2 Hz) in the EEG, which almost with certainty eliminates a sense of pain. (MORE PAINFUL!!)

2. The zero line in the EEG was reached for 4 calves after 28 seconds. (Painful elongated death)

3. For two sheep the cerebral cortex activity only stopped in one half of the brain, whilst it continued in the other in the –region (up to 3.5 Hz) until the bloodletting cut. (oouch!!)

4. The bloodletting cut resulted for all animals in a brain activity (e and d waves). (Extra pain!)

5. Thermal pain stimuli caused an increase in activity in one sheep.

6. The heart frequency rose directly after stunning to values above 300 actions per minute.

In summary the following conclusions are possible:

Calves (Inhumane western way)

After captive bolt stunning most severe general disturbances (waves of 1-2 Hz) occurred in the EEG, which almost with certainty eliminates a sense of pain.

Sheep (Inhumane western way)

Similar disturbances were also seen in sheep, but besides the somewhat higher frequency there are still clearly superimposed waves. For one animal waves could be recorded after pain stimuli until after the 200^th second. Apparent cramps were registered for all sheep with the exception of one animal.

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Don't be fooled by propaganda... Halal is the only way..

full article

Other links

Halal is better
Halal is Cleaner / Safer