Latest News &amp; Insights

Is MSG Halal? Monosodium Glutamate (E621) Explained

Monosodium glutamate (MSG / E621) is produced by bacterial fermentation of plant-based substrates and is classified as halal by JAKIM, MUI, and IFANCA. The primary concern — fermentation medium and processing aids — is addressed by halal certification. Here is what you need to know.

Dr. Aishah Malik

·March 17, 2026·8 min read

Ingredients

Is Rennet Halal? Enzyme Types, Porcine Risk, and Safe Cheese Choices

Rennet's halal status depends on its source. Porcine rennet is haram. FPC (fermentation-produced chymosin) and microbial rennet are halal by consensus. Calf rennet requires zabihah slaughter documentation. Most industrial cheese now uses FPC — look for halal certification or 'vegetarian rennet' labelling.

Dr. Aishah Malik

Certification Standards

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UAE Halal Certification: ESMA Requirements and Application Process

Complete guide to obtaining halal certification in the UAE through ESMA. Covers the Emirates Conformity Assessment Scheme, documentation requirements, audit process, and timelines for food manufacturers.

Aisha Rahman

·March 17, 2026·9 min read

Certification Standards

Is Vanilla Extract Halal? Alcohol, Vanillin, and What Certification Bodies Say

Pure vanilla extract contains 35%+ alcohol — making it controversial. Vanilla bean powder, paste, and vanillin are universally halal. Here is what JAKIM, MUI, and ESMA require for certified products.

HalalExpo Editorial Team

·March 17, 2026·8 min read

Certification Standards

Is Lecithin Halal? Soy, Sunflower, Egg, and Animal Sources Explained (E322)

Soy lecithin, sunflower lecithin, and egg lecithin are all halal. The concern arises only with animal-derived lecithin — rare commercially but possible. Here is what JAKIM, MUI, and ESMA require for E322 in certified products.

HalalExpo Editorial Team

OIC and SMIIC Halal Standards Explained

The OIC and its standards body SMIIC have developed a unified international halal standard — OIC/SMIIC 1:2019. This article explains what it covers, how it differs from JAKIM, MUI, and HFA, and its practical implications for import and export.

Events & Shows

Halal Catering for Events: How to Plan and Source

Planning halal catering for a corporate event, wedding, or conference requires more than choosing a halal caterer. This guide covers sourcing, venue requirements, buffet labelling, mixed-audience events, and the questions every organiser should ask.

·March 17, 2026·6 min read

Food Trade

Halal Candy and Sweets: What to Check and What to Buy

Gummy bears, marshmallows, and many popular sweets contain porcine gelatin, carmine colouring, or alcohol flavourings. This guide explains what to look for on labels, which ingredients to avoid, and which halal-certified brands are available.

Tourism

Halal Food in Japan: A Complete Traveller's Guide

Japan's halal food scene has grown dramatically as Muslim tourism rises. From certified halal ramen and sushi in Tokyo to mosque-adjacent restaurants in Osaka, this guide covers where to eat, what to check, and which apps to use.

·March 17, 2026·8 min read

Halal Certification in the UK: A Complete Guide

The UK has two major halal certification bodies — HFA and HMC — with different standards on stunning. This guide explains who they are, how they differ, how UK businesses can apply, and what changed after Brexit.

Industry Insights

Halal Street Food Guide: Best Cities for Muslim Travellers

For Muslim travellers, street food is one of the great joys of travel — but it requires some knowledge to navigate safely. Here are ten cities where halal street food is abundant, the signature dishes to seek out, and practical tips for verifying halal status on the go.

·March 17, 2026·5 min read

Halal Baby Formula: What Parents Need to Know

Some baby formulas contain porcine-derived DHA/ARA, animal-derived vitamins, or gelatin — raising genuine halal concerns for Muslim parents. Here is how to identify problematic ingredients, which certified options exist by region, and what to do when no certified formula is available.