What is halal?

Halal means permitted under Islamic law. In food, it refers to both ingredients and the conditions in which food is prepared and handled.

Food and ingredient labels

The Codex guidelines cover lawful sources, preparation, processing, transport and storage. An ingredient list can show declared ingredients, but cannot by itself establish that all these requirements are met.

How BOTIA classifies ingredients

No prohibited ingredients or doubtful origin detected on the label.

When the label does not establish the origin or process, BOTIA uses Mashbooh (doubt). Missing information is not proof that an ingredient is Halal or Haram.

What BOTIA can and cannot conclude

BOTIA CAN

  • Read declared ingredients from the label.
  • Detect clearly Haram ingredients based on documented criteria.
  • Detect ingredients with ambiguous origin and make the silence visible.

BOTIA CANNOT

  • Certify Halal — it is not a guarantee or seal of approval.
  • Detect undeclared processes like cross-contamination in factories.
  • Replace a religious authority or certification body.

Sources: Codex CAC/GL 24-1997 · OIC/SMIIC 1:2019