The UP government has implemented a statewideban on products carrying halal certificates, citing concerns about toying with public faith
'Halal'means 'permissible' in Arabic and is associated with Islamic dietary laws, similar to 'kashrut' in Jewish dietary rules
Halal certification ensures that food is procured, processed, and traded in accordance with Islamic beliefs, with pork and intoxicants being the most commonly considered haram
In India, halal mainly refers to the slaughtering technique used by Muslims, involving a specific method and recitation of prayers during the process
The 'jhatka' method, preferred by Hindus and Sikhs, involves a single powerful blow to the back of the animal's neck and is not allowed in Islam
Halal is not limited to meat; it extends to various consumable items, including vegetarian food, fish, and shellfish
Halal certificates indicate whether a product meets the requirements for being considered halal, with various certifying agencies operating in India
The Indian government does not enforce halal certification, lacking a unified regulatory law for the process
Without a regulatory authority, India depends on organizations like Halal India, recognized by international bodies, which is crucial for exports to Islamic countries