Islamic legal opinions (fatwas) regarding the materials used in imported food industries

Abstract

This research examines the rulings of Islamic jurists regarding the ingredients used in imported food industries. This is particularly relevant given the increasing demand for imported foods from non-Muslim countries that contain these ingredients. The research specifically addresses imported gelatin, examining its nature, its wide-ranging uses in food industries, and whether or not it undergoes a transformation (ihtihalah) and its impact on Islamic legal rulings. It also explores rennet used in cheese production, its source, and the Islamic legal ruling on cheeses imported from non-Muslim countries. Furthermore, the research addresses other additives used in imported food industries, their types, and their Islamic legal rulings. The research concludes that the permissibility of consuming imported gelatin and foods containing it depends on the actual transformation of the gelatin into a different substance. Rennet used in imported cheese production is considered pure and permissible if the individual knows it is derived from an animal slaughtered according to Islamic law, or if they are unaware of its rennet content. As for additives used in imported food industries, such as preservatives, emulsifiers, and natural colorings, the default ruling is purity and permissibility unless it is proven that they were derived from an animal slaughtered according to Islamic law. This is something that is forbidden to consume, and the research emphasizes the necessity for the individual to possess a high level of religious awareness to avoid falling into the trap of permitting what is forbidden and the resulting negative impact on their health, behavior, and spiritual purity.