Bushra Griffith
Whether or not whey cheddar cheese is halal is a question that many Muslims ask. The answer depends on the ingredients used in its production. If the ingredients are derived from halal animals and in the halal way (Islamic slaughtering), then the cheese is halal. Animal rennet derived from animals not slaughtered according to Islamic law is haram, while microbial, vegetable, and genetically engineered rennet are generally considered halal. It is also important to be mindful of other ingredients, such as additives, preservatives, and flavoring agents, which could impact the halal status of cheese. For peace of mind, opting for halal-certified cheese is the safest choice.
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What You'll Learn
Animal-derived rennet makes cheddar haram
Whether or not cheddar cheese is halal depends on its ingredients and production process. Animal rennet, an enzyme extracted from the lining of a calf's stomach, is often used in the production of cheddar cheese. If the animal was not halal, the cheese is considered haram.
Islamic scholars advise followers to avoid unclear things and to respect Allah by avoiding impurity. If the rennet is derived from haram animals, the cheese becomes impure, or najis, similar to things derived from pigs or dead meat.
The Hanafi School states that rennet obtained from an animal slaughtered by a non-Muslim or Muslim, as long as it is not a pig, is permissible. However, the Malik, al-Shafi'i, and Ahmad schools consider rennet from improperly slaughtered animals to be impure, and thus the cheese made with it is haram.
The only way to know the source of rennet is to ask the food industry or refer to the product label. Checking the fat content and the origin of the enzymes is also recommended.
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Rennet from plants or microbes makes cheddar halal
To make cheese, we need to separate the solid components of milk (such as casein protein, fat, and minerals) into curds, and the liquid into whey (which includes water, lactose, and whey protein). This separation is made possible by coagulation, and the enzyme rennet is usually used to achieve this.
Traditionally, rennet is made of enzymes found in the lining of the stomachs of young, unweaned mammals, such as calves, lambs, or kids. As the mammal ages, these enzymes are no longer produced, which means rennet must be harvested from young animals, typically veal calves. Animal rennet has been used for thousands of years and is still preferred by some cheesemakers today.
However, animal rennet is not suitable for vegetarians, and it is also not considered halal by some Muslims. In the Hanafi School, for example, rennet is only considered permissible if it is obtained from an animal slaughtered by a Muslim or a non-Muslim. Therefore, vegetarian rennet, also known as microbial rennet, is a good alternative for those who want to consume halal cheese.
Microbial rennet is created in a lab and is sometimes derived from mushrooms. It is typically 100% chymosin and does not contain the same balance of enzymes as animal rennet, but it is still effective in cheesemaking. By using microbial rennet, manufacturers can ensure their cheese is suitable for vegetarians and those following a halal diet.
Therefore, when rennet from plants or microbes is used in the production of cheddar cheese, it can be considered halal. This allows individuals who observe religious dietary restrictions to enjoy this popular variety of cheese without compromising their beliefs.
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Halal-certified cheese is free from haram ingredients
For Muslims, it is essential to understand what makes food halal or haram. This is a significant aspect of their faith, and it is important to make informed decisions about the food they consume. Cheddar cheese, in particular, can be a confusing product in this regard due to the variety of ingredients and processes used in its production.
Cheddar cheese is typically made from cow's milk, but it may also be made from sheep's or goat's milk. The main ingredients are milk, starter culture, lactic acid bacteria, salt, and rennet, an enzyme found in the digestive tracts of young animals. Animal rennet, derived from animals not slaughtered according to Islamic law, is considered haram. However, microbial, vegetable, and genetically engineered rennet are generally deemed halal.
Other ingredients and additives in cheddar cheese production can also impact its halal status. For example, whey, a byproduct of the cheese-making process, can be used in processed cheeses. If whey comes from non-halal cheese production, it is considered haram. Some cheeses may also contain additives, colourings, or preservatives derived from haram sources, such as animal products or alcohol.
To ensure that cheese is free from haram ingredients, Muslims can opt for halal-certified products. Halal-certified cheese undergoes a rigorous process to guarantee that every step of its production adheres to Islamic dietary guidelines. Reputable halal certification bodies, such as the Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America (IFANCA), the Halal Monitoring Committee (HMC) in the UK, Halal Certification Europe (HCE), and Halal Australia, provide this assurance for consumers. By choosing halal-certified cheese, Muslims can confidently enjoy their favourite varieties while remaining true to their faith and Islamic law.
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Other ingredients, like additives, can make cheddar haram
Whether or not cheddar cheese is halal depends on its ingredients and production process. Animal rennet, an enzyme extracted from the lining of a calf's stomach, is used by some companies, while others use plant-based or microbial rennet. If the animal was not slaughtered according to Islamic law, the cheese may be considered haram.
Other ingredients, like additives, can also make cheddar haram. For instance, some cheeses contain wine vinegar, which is derived from alcohol. There is a difference of opinion on whether this is halal or not. The Hanafis state that vinegar is permissible, regardless of how it was made, but the other three schools of thought have different stipulations.
Another additive to be aware of is annatto, a food colourant derived from achiote plant seeds. While annatto itself may be halal, if it has been mixed with other haram ingredients, it may no longer be permissible.
Some sources also mention whey as an ingredient that can make cheese haram. Whey is a byproduct of cheese production and is often added back into the cheese to improve texture and flavour. If the whey is derived from haram animals or pigs, it would render the cheese haram.
It is important to note that there is a difference of opinion among Islamic scholars regarding what constitutes halal and haram. Some may advise avoiding certain ingredients or products, while others may consider them permissible. Ultimately, it is a personal choice, and individuals should make informed decisions based on their own research and understanding of Islamic law.
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Halal-certifying bodies exist to help consumers
The presence of multiple halal logos and differing standards across countries can be confusing for consumers. This complexity arises from the numerous halal certifying bodies (HCBs) worldwide, each with their own set of criteria. To address this challenge, some HCBs advocate for a universal halal standard with minimum requirements that everyone adheres to. This standardization would simplify the certification process, reduce costs for HCBs and exporting companies, and ultimately benefit consumers by lowering prices.
The role of HCBs is crucial in verifying compliance with government regulations and halal standards. They face challenges such as forged certificates and expired logos, as well as controversial issues like animal slaughter methods, which can be difficult for consumers to discern. HCBs help consumers navigate these complexities by providing guidance and education on halal topics, ensuring that the products they consume are in line with their religious beliefs.
HCBs also play a vital role in facilitating access to halal products for Muslim consumers. By providing halal certification, companies can tap into a global market of over 1.6 billion consumers. This certification not only ensures compliance with Islamic dietary laws but also indicates to both Muslim and non-Muslim consumers that the products meet stringent quality standards.
In summary, halal-certifying bodies are essential for helping consumers make informed choices, ensuring compliance with Islamic dietary laws, and providing access to halal products on a global scale. Their role extends beyond certification by addressing challenges, educating consumers, and promoting standardization to benefit the wider Muslim community.
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Frequently asked questions
No, not all cheese is haram. If the ingredients used in making the cheese are halal, then the cheese will be halal.
Animal rennet derived from animals not slaughtered according to Islamic law is haram. If whey comes from the production of non-halal cheese, it too would be haram.
Microbial, vegetable, and genetically engineered rennet are generally considered halal.
Check the packaging for halal certification. In many countries, there are reliable halal certification bodies that oversee the production of halal food.
Yes, Kerrygold offers halal-certified cheddar in select markets. Tillamook also offers some halal-certified cheddars.
