Kamil Perry
Whether or not white cheddar cheese is halal depends on its ingredients and how it is made. Cheese that adheres to Islamic dietary laws is considered halal. Rennet, an enzyme commonly used in cheese production, is often derived from animals and can render cheese haram if the animal was not slaughtered according to Islamic rites. Some cheeses use microbial rennet, which is permissible, while others may not disclose the source of their rennet, making it difficult to determine if the cheese is halal. Alcohol-based ingredients and vinegar sourced from alcohol can also make cheese haram. Therefore, it is important for consumers to carefully read labels and ingredient information to ensure that their cheddar cheese is halal.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Halal | If it has a halal certificate and is made with microbial/vegetarian rennet |
| Haram | If it contains animal rennet from an animal that was not slaughtered according to Islamic rites |
| Rennet | An enzyme used in cheese-making, mostly obtained from cows |
| Alcohol | Some cheeses contain alcohol, which is haram |
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What You'll Learn
Rennet is the key
Whether or not white cheddar cheese is halal depends on its ingredients and how it was made.
The key enzyme in cheese production is rennet, which is primarily derived from animals, most often from cows. However, rennet can also be obtained from non-animal sources, such as microorganisms. If rennet is obtained from animals, these animals must be slaughtered according to Islamic rites for the cheese to be considered halal. This is because, in Islam, cheese must follow the rules mentioned in the Quran, and one component derived from an animal that was not slaughtered according to Shari'ah can make the cheese haram.
Therefore, when buying cheese, it is important to check the ingredients and look for any certifications or labels that indicate whether the cheese is halal or not. Some labels may explicitly state “halal” or include symbols indicating that the cheese is halal, such as "UD" or "KD" in the United States. Additionally, some cheeses may use microbial enzymes, which are bacterial rather than animal enzymes, making them suitable for those following Islamic dietary laws.
It is worth noting that some sources suggest that vegetarian cheeses are generally considered halal, as long as there are no other ingredients that would make them haram, such as alcohol. However, it is always a good idea to check the ingredients and, if necessary, reach out to the company or a local Muslim authority to confirm the halal status of a product.
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Alcohol-based ingredients
Alcohol is generally considered haram in Islam. However, some Islamic schools of thought, like the Hanafis, consider vinegar to be permissible, even if it is derived from alcohol.
Cheese that adheres to Islamic dietary regulations is referred to as halal. This means that for cheese to be halal, it must comply with the rules outlined in the Quran. One component used in cheese manufacturing that can render it haram is rennet, which is primarily derived from animals. If the rennet is obtained from an animal slaughtered according to Shariah law, it is considered halal.
Some cheeses are made with alcohol, which can be a concern for those following a halal diet. For example, Cahill's cheddar cheese is made with porter beer, which is added to the cheese after the curds have formed and the whey has been drained, giving it a marbled effect. Another example is a French blue cheese created by master cheesemaker Rodolphe Le Meunier, who injected it with Vouvray, a sweet white wine from the Loire Valley. This results in an ultra-creamy and dense cheese with a tangy flavour.
In some cases, alcohol is added to cheese as a flavour enhancer or to create a unique appearance. For instance, Yancey's Fancy Champagne cheddar is made with local milk and Champagne, resulting in a soft, dense cheddar with a hint of Champagne in both flavour and scent. Similarly, Queso de Murcia, or Murcian Wine Cheese, is a Spanish cheese that is bathed in red wine during maturation, giving it a deep reddish-purple rind.
When determining whether a cheese is halal or not, it is essential to read the label and ingredient information carefully. Some manufacturers may provide halal certification, guaranteeing that no alcohol-based ingredients were used in the production process. However, it is worth noting that the cheese industry is dynamic, and enterprises' Halal statuses can change over time. Therefore, it is always advisable to check the most up-to-date information before consuming any cheese product.
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Slaughtering methods
Whether or not white cheddar cheese is halal depends on its ingredients and how it is made. If the ingredients are derived from halal animals and produced in a halal way, it is halal.
When it comes to slaughtering animals, Islamic law prescribes specific methods that ensure the animal's welfare and minimise its suffering. These methods typically involve a swift, deep incision with a sharp knife to the animal's neck, severing the jugular veins and carotid arteries, leading to rapid death. This method is known as "Zabihah".
The animal must be alive before the slaughter and should be treated with respect and compassion throughout the process. It is also important that the animal is restrained and not harmed before the slaughter. The slaughterer should be an adult Muslim, Christian, or Jew who is of sound mind and recites the Tasmiya, or the blessing, over the animal before slaughtering it.
In terms of the direction of slaughter, the animal's head should be pointed towards the Qibla, the direction of prayer, which is towards the Kaaba in Mecca. The cut should be made with a single, uninterrupted action, and the knife should not be removed from the animal's body until the incision is complete.
It is also important to ensure that the animal is completely drained of its blood, as consuming blood is prohibited in Islam. This can be achieved through proper bleeding techniques during the slaughter or by hanging the carcass post-slaughter to facilitate complete blood drainage.
By adhering to these slaughtering methods and ensuring that the ingredients are sourced from animals slaughtered according to Islamic law, manufacturers can produce halal cheese, including white cheddar cheese, that complies with the dietary requirements of those following the principles of halal in Islam.
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Vegetarian cheeses
Whether or not a cheese is halal depends on the ingredients used to make it. Rennet, an enzyme commonly used in cheese-making, is often derived from animals and can make a cheese unsuitable for consumption by Muslims if the animal was not slaughtered according to Islamic rites.
Some examples of vegetarian cheese brands and types include:
- Cabot, except for American and Mexican Blend
- Lucerne (Safeway) brand: white cheeses only
- Kirkland Signature (Costco), except for Parmigiano-Reggiano and Manchego
- Laughing Cow
- Kraft Grated Parmesan (although this occasionally contains lipase, which is animal-derived)
- Kraft Cracker Barrel (although some varieties contain lipase)
- Armstrong
- Baby Bel
- Most Sargento cheeses, except for those that are traditionally Italian, such as Parmesan, Romano, Provolone, Asiago, and Fontina
- Sartori Parmesan
- Cello Parmesan
- Trader Joe's Parmesan
- Tilamook
- BelGioioso Parmesan
- Frigo
- Whole Foods
- Organic Valley
- Stella
- Kosher brands like Haolam and Migdal
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Halal certification
Whether or not white cheddar cheese is halal depends on its ingredients and how it is made. If the ingredients are halal and it is made according to the rules mentioned in the Quran, then it is halal.
Cheese is often made using the enzyme rennet, which is usually derived from animals, most commonly from cows. If the animal was not slaughtered according to Muslim laws, then the cheese is considered haram. Rennet may also be derived from microbial enzymes, which are halal.
To ensure that a product is halal, one can look for halal certification. Halal certification is a rapidly growing certification that indicates that a product meets the dietary regulations of Islam. The certification process involves an application phase, where the company's suitability for halal certification is determined. If the company is qualified, a halal agreement is prepared, and the company is guided through the necessary forms and sheets, which include company details, product lists, ingredient specifications, and process flow diagrams. The AHF technical team will then assess the submitted documents, which includes product and ingredient details, and their sources and specifications. The AHF will also review the facility layout and process flow to identify any potential cross-contamination risks with non-halal products. This is especially important if the company manufactures both halal and non-halal products in the same facility. The AHF will also request any additional information or documents if needed and will guide the company through any final preparations before an on-site audit. Once all the documents are approved and any necessary changes are made, an on-site audit is conducted to ensure that all aspects of the production process are aligned with halal standards.
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Frequently asked questions
Check the packaging for a halal certification or a mention of microbial enzymes. If the manufacturer has halal certification, they do not use alcohol-based ingredients while making cheese. You can also check the ingredients list to see if the cheese is vegetarian, and if there are no other ingredients that would make it haram.
Rennet, which is primarily derived from animals, can make cheese haram. If the rennet is obtained from an animal that was not slaughtered according to Islamic rites, the cheese is not halal.
Yes, The Laughing Cow offers Belcube, a soft white cheddar packaged in small portions, with halal certification.
