Investigating The Halal Status Of Animal Bones And Ethanol In Conventional Food Products:  A Preliminary Study

Aklimah Mustapa; Norkhairiah Hashim; Moohamad Ropaning Sulong; Siti Nur Idayu Matusin; Nur Farizah Haji Dollah; Nur Syamimi  Matzin; Norputrawaty @ Nena Ellisya Aslan

doi:10.33102/jfatwa.vol30no1.623

Authors

Aklimah Mustapa Halalan Thayyiban Research Centre, Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali, Sinaut Campus, Km 33 Jalan Tutong, Kampong Sinaut, Tutong TB1741, BRUNEI DARUSSALAM https://orcid.org/0009-0003-0522-6084
Norkhairiah Hashim Halalan Thayyiban Research Centre, Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali, Sinaut Campus, Km 33 Jalan Tutong, Kampong Sinaut, Tutong TB1741, BRUNEI DARUSSALAM
Moohamad Ropaning Sulong Halalan Thayyiban Research Centre, Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali, Sinaut Campus, Km 33 Jalan Tutong, Kampong Sinaut, Tutong TB1741, BRUNEI DARUSSALAM
Siti Nur Idayu Matusin Halalan Thayyiban Research Centre, Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali, Sinaut Campus, Km 33 Jalan Tutong, Kampong Sinaut, Tutong TB1741, BRUNEI DARUSSALAM https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3036-9947
Nur Farizah Haji Dollah Halal Food Control Division, Department of Syari'ah Affairs, Jalan Elizabeth II, Ministry of Religious Affairs, Bandar Seri Begawan BS3510, BRUNEI DARUSSALAM
Nur Syamimi Matzin Halal Food Control Division, Department of Syari'ah Affairs, Jalan Elizabeth II, Ministry of Religious Affairs, Bandar Seri Begawan BS3510, BRUNEI DARUSSALAM
Norputrawaty @ Nena Ellisya Aslan Halal Food Control Division, Department of Syari'ah Affairs, Jalan Elizabeth II, Ministry of Religious Affairs, Bandar Seri Begawan BS3510, BRUNEI DARUSSALAM

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33102/jfatwa.vol30no1.623

Keywords:

Animal bones, Ethanol, Fermented Products, Halal, Sugar

Abstract

The halal food industry is on a significant trajectory and this trend is expected to continue escalating imminently. However, the halal and thayyib food supply chain issues involving manufacturing, distribution and consumption have not been solved and are causing concern among the Muslim community in Brunei Darussalam. One issue includes the sugar decolorising process by using bone char and/or activated carbon, which include animal bones as a raw material. Ethanol is another issue that is present in conventional and fermented products like beverages, sauces and additives. Brunei has a high importation rate of food products from Muslim-minority countries, resulting in numerous products with unknown halal status, as well as produces local fermented food products widely sold in the market. The current study provides a mini review of the involvement of animal bones and ethanol in food-related products. Moreover, the study presents a compilation of related fatwas on animal bones and ethanol issued by Brunei and neighbouring countries namely Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore to investigate the halal status of the implicated products. Brunei imposes a strict stance on these issues, whereby any involvement of pigs, dogs and permissible animals that are not slaughtered based on Shariah principles will deem the food-related products haram, as well as industrial ethanol is considered haram so no trace of such type is allowed (0.00%) in food and beverages. In conclusion, halalan thayyiban issues may be overcome in further studies by involving a collaboration of authorities in addressing scientific findings supported with Shariah principles.

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