Author: NIHT Media
The Bakers range of biscuits are certified Halaal by the National Independent Halaal Trust (NIHT) and all products and materials used for the manufacture of these biscuits are explicitly checked and verified before being used. There seems to be a misunderstanding pertaining to synthetic alcohol (ethyl alcohol), ethyl alcohol is derived from a number of sources including starch, cane sugar, maize, coal and as a bi-product of petroleum.
This type of ethyl alcohol (synthetic alcohol) should not be confused with fermented alcohol (khamr) which is explicitly forbidden and Haraam. This synthetic alcohol is used in the entire food, baking and cosmetic industries extensively. It is more commonly used as an extracting or dispersing agent in the process of manufacturing flavourants and certain emulsifiers. Hence, it is not used directly or as a specific ingredient. Residual trace levels of the ethanol as referred to by the food and beverage industry amounts to miniscule amounts or particles being found in these various products. This is totally acceptable and Halaal as per Shariah.
Ironically, ethyl alcohol is also found NATURALLY in fruit juice, coconut milk, kajoor (dates) paste, tomato puree, ground ginger and baking products which utilises yeast. These are also acceptable and Halaal. The following needs to be considered:
The Bakers Tennis, Lemon Creams and Chockits biscuits do not contain any alcoholic beverages.
The alcohol is of a synthetic nature and is not fermented khamr (intoxicant made from wine, grapes or dates).
The synthetic alcohol is used purely as a solvent to disperse the flavourants and allow it to mix evenly with the biscuit dough.
According to Imam Abu Hanifa (Rahmatullah Alaihi), alcohol from sources other than grapes and dates is not considered impure (Najis). Contemporary Scholars (Ulama) have thus declared their use as a solvent to be acceptable since the intoxicating properties have been fully eliminated. This is also the view of the majority of Muslim Scholars locally as well as worldwide.
The synthetic alcohol is completely evaporated during the manufacturing and baking process. As has been stated, the alcohol is of a synthetic nature and as such is permissible.
The gelatine used for the Iced Zoo biscuits is from a Halaal bovine (beef) source and is totally Halaal.
In conclusion, the Bakers range of biscuits is fully Halaal and fit for Muslim consumption. Please do not hesitate to contact us should you have any further queries.
First Published : 06/06/2014