For Muslims around the world, determining if a particular food item is halal is an important consideration. Cheese may seem like a straightforward choice, but its status as halal can sometimes be less clear. This ambiguity often arises due to the varying production processes and the use of animal-derived ingredients, specifically rennet. In this post, I will explore the nuances of cheese production and how it relates to halal dietary laws. Read to the end for my tips on how to choose a cheese that is halal.
What does halal mean?
In Islamic law, halal refers to anything that is permissible or lawful, particularly concerning food and drink. On the opposite end of the spectrum, haram refers to what is forbidden.
These guidelines are primarily derived from the Quran and Hadith (sayings of the Prophet Muhammad) and are further interpreted by Islamic scholars. Key principles governing what is halal and haram include the source of the food, how it is processed, and whether the production process complies with ethical and sanitary standards.
For food to be halal, it must meet specific criteria. This includes being free from any prohibited ingredients, such as pork or alcohol. And ensuring that any animal products come from animals slaughtered in accordance with Islamic law.
This brings us to the topic of cheese and one of its critical ingredients: rennet.
What is rennet, and why is it important?
Rennet is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in cheesemaking. It causes milk to coagulate, forming curds that eventually become cheese. As a matter of fact, rennet can be derived from several sources:
1. Animal Rennet: Traditionally, rennet is extracted from the lining of the stomachs of young ruminant animals, such as calves, goats or lambs. This type of rennet can pose an issue for halal-conscious consumers because it may come from animals not slaughtered according to Islamic principles. If the animal is not slaughtered in a halal manner, any by-product, including rennet, is considered haram.
2. Microbial Rennet: An alternative to animal rennet is microbial rennet, which is produced by fermenting certain types of fungi or bacteria. Microbial rennet is popular in the production of commercial cheese. Because it does not involve the use of animal products, most Muslims consider it to be halal.
3. Vegetable Rennet: Some cheese is made using rennet derived from plants, such as certain types of thistles or nettles. Like microbial rennet, vegetable rennet is also considered halal, provided no haram additives are used in the cheesemaking process.
4. Genetically Modified Rennet: In modern cheese production, some companies use genetically engineered rennet (also known as Fermentation-Produced Chymosin). This rennet is created through genetically modifying bacteria, fungi, or yeasts to produce the enzyme chymosin, which mimics the function of traditional rennet. This form of rennet is also generally regarded as halal, assuming the other components of the cheese meet halal standards.
The halal status of cheese
Since rennet plays such an integral role in cheesemaking, the halal status of cheese largely hinges on where the rennet comes from.
If a cheese is made using animal rennet, determining whether it is halal depends on how the animal was slaughtered. If the animal is slaughtered according to Islamic guidelines (called zabiha), then the cheese is halal. However, if the animal was not slaughtered in this manner, or if the rennet was sourced from an unknown or non-halal animal, the cheese would be deemed haram.
For cheese made with microbial, vegetable or genetically modified rennet, the halal status is much clearer. Because these sources are not derived from animals, they avoid any potential conflicts with Islamic dietary laws.
Other ingredients to consider
Unfortunately, rennet is not the only ingredient to be mindful of when determining whether cheese is halal. Other ingredients, additives and processing aids used in cheese production could potentially render it haram, including:
Whey
Whey is the liquid remaining after milk has been curdled and strained. It is often used in processed cheeses or other dairy products. If whey comes from the production of non-halal cheese, it too would be haram. Therefore, it’s important to verify the source of whey used in the cheesemaking process.
Additives and preservatives
Some cheeses may contain additives, colourings or preservatives that could be derived from haram sources. For example, certain food colourings or emulsifiers might come from animal products.
As a result, it’s advisable to monitor those additional ingredients to ensure they meet halal standards.
Flavouring agents
Some cheeses, particularly processed varieties, may include artificial flavorings or other ingredients that could contain alcohol or non-halal animal derivatives. For this reason, it’s important to review the ingredients list or seek certification from a trusted halal authority.
Halal certification for cheese
For Muslim consumers, the simplest way to ensure that cheese is halal is to look for halal certification. Organisations that certify food products as halal carefully examine the sourcing and production processes to ensure compliance with Islamic law.
Halal-certified cheese provides a guarantee that it is free from haram ingredients, including non-halal rennet, whey and additives.
In many countries, especially those with large Muslim populations, there are reliable halal certification bodies that oversee the production of halal food. These include organizations such as:
- The Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America (IFANCA): IFANCA provides halal certification for a wide range of food products, including dairy.
- Halal Monitoring Committee (HMC): Based in the UK, HMC provides stringent halal certification for food products, including cheese.
- Halal Certification Europe (HCE): Another respected body in Europe, HCE ensures that food products, including cheese, meet halal standards.
- Halal Australia: The leading halal-certification organisation in Australia.
When a cheese product is halal-certified, you can rest assured that every step in its production process has been scrutinized to ensure it meets the necessary halal criteria.
Practical tips for finding halal cheese
1. Check for Halal Certification: The easiest way to identify halal cheese is by checking the packaging for a halal certification logo from a trusted certifying organization.
2. Read the Ingredients List: If halal-certified cheese is not available, check the ingredients list for clues. Look for references to animal rennet or other potentially haram ingredients. Also, check whether the rennet used is microbial or vegetable-based.
3. Contact Manufacturers: In some cases, contacting the manufacturer directly can provide clarity on whether their cheese is suitable for halal consumption. Many producers are open to providing information about the source of their rennet and other ingredients.
4. Avoid Processed Cheeses: Processed cheeses and cheese spreads are more likely to contain additional ingredients that could potentially be haram, such as emulsifiers or preservatives derived from non-halal sources.
Examples of halal cheese brands
Many cheese brands around the world offer halal-certified products, especially in regions with significant Muslim populations. Here are some well-known halal-certified cheese brands:
1. Kerrygold
Certification: Kerrygold offers some halal-certified products in select markets.
Types of Cheese: Known for its Cheddar, butter, and other dairy products, Kerrygold offers a variety of cheeses, including block Cheddar, shredded cheese, and more.
Availability: Mainly available in the UK, Europe, and the US.
2. Cheer Cheese
Certification: Halal-certified by the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils.
Types of Cheese: Offers a range of cheeses, including Cheddar slices and shredded cheese.
Availability: Widely available in Australia and select international markets.
3. Almarai
Certification: Halal-certified.
Types of Cheese: Almarai, a leading dairy company in the Middle East, offers many cheese varieties, including Cream Cheese, Cheddar, processed cheese and spreadable cheese.
Availability: Available throughout the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, and in some international markets.
4. Happy Cow (Austria)
Certification: Halal-certified by the Halal Control body of Austria.
Types of Cheese: Specializes in processed cheese, cheese wedges, and spreadable cheese.
Availability: Available across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
5. That’s Amore Cheese (Australia)
Certification: Halal-certified by the Halal Certification Authority Australia.
Types of Cheese: Offers a variety of Italian-style cheeses, including Mozzarella, Ricotta, Burrata and Bocconcini.
Availability: Primarily available in Australia and through select retailers.
6. Tillamook
Certification: Some of Tillamook’s cheeses are made using microbial rennet, which is certified halal.
Types of Cheese: Offers a wide range of cheeses, including Cheddar, Mozzarella, Pepper Jack, and Colby Jack.
Availability: Widely available in the US and select international markets.
Conclusion
Whether cheese is halal or not depends largely on the ingredients used in its production, particularly the type of rennet. Animal rennet derived from animals not slaughtered according to Islamic law is haram, while microbial, vegetable, and genetically engineered rennet are generally considered halal.
Additionally, it’s essential to be mindful of other ingredients, such as additives, preservatives and flavouring agents, which could impact the halal status of cheese.
For peace of mind, opting for halal-certified cheese is the safest choice. By checking labels and asking the right questions, Muslim consumers can confidently enjoy a wide variety of cheese while adhering to their dietary guidelines.
Jonah is a a hipster, eco-warrior and slow food afficionado. Coming from a scientific background, Jonah has a particular interest in cheese science. And yes, he loves a good cheese pun!
