Halal Or……Halal, Those Are The Options

Purchasing groceries in Canada is interesting at the best of times, but in 2021, it is becoming more and more difficult to find product without the halal certification symbol.

In 2019, Pegida Canada held a survey concerning halal and people’s perceptions and ideas about halal. The article included extensive documentation about halal in Canada, the concern about terror financing by certification agencies, and of course, the result of the poll. You can read the article here.

The article is rather abstract, with facts and figures. Today, halal got up close and personal. In the grocery store, looking for a gravy mix for a quick meal, I looked at the clubhouse brand, which also carries gluten free mix, which is a necessity in my household. To my annoyance, none of the mixes were non halal.

I messaged the company. Below is our conversation.

Me: Why do you not make a non halal gravy mix? Using halal is against my religion.

McCormick/Clubhouse rep: Halal certification, like Kosher, Gluten Free, Vegan or other similar certification logos on a product are added to the label to assist our consumers who have a restricted diet in being confident when choosing our product. These certifications indicate that the ingredients and processes used in manufacturing that item are carefully monitored and meet certain guidelines.

Me:
Thank you, I am aware of that. The concept of halal is  contrary to my religious beliefs. Certification requires an Islamic organization to verify the product. This is the same organization that verifies the blessing over meat. Can you not make product without the certification?

McCormick/Clubhouse rep: Our product certifications and formulas are developed to provide the highest quality of product ingredients and processes. I am sorry if our product offering does not meet your specific needs. We would be happy to provide you with tips on making your own gravy at home from scratch if you would like.

Me: Thank you, I find it unfortunate that you do not consider individual religious beliefs. Thanks for your time.

It is indeed unfortunate that some religious beliefs override others. In Canada. Halal certification has been linked to terrorist funding. Halal certification calls for the blessing of Allah on their slaughtered meat, this is a false god, or idol in the eyes of other religions. Halal certification supports the greater Islamic community.

In Canada, it is becoming more and more difficult to buy non halal.