RAPID development in science and technology has left a great impact on the food processing industry. From the scientific and religious perspectives on food consumption, the halal concept is crucial because it includes other elements such as hygiene, ethics, values and food safety. Furthermore, halal does not only concern Muslims, but non-Muslims as well.

The halal concept is used widely in all aspects of life including food products, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, health supplements and food ingredients. In Islam, many things have been classified as halal or haram.

The objective of the halal concept is to ascertain whether the food product is safe, hygienic and not hazardous to human health. Thus, in the halal context, hygienic food, drinks and products must be free from najs (dirt/impurity) or contamination and harmful germs.

Muslims today are concerned about the issue of food consumption because many of the ingredients available in the market are also derived from lard or porcine sources, which bring a bigger problem for the halal status of food consumption. Although the use of such non-halal ingredients, which are normally used in food production and pharmaceutical goods, is highlighted in the media, an effective solution has yet to be found.

Undoubtedly, the issue is sensitive to Muslims. The question that arises is whether information pertaining to this issue is sufficient and reliable.

Do Muslims have ample awareness and knowledge on the concept of consuming halal food as stated in the Quran? Is the awareness translated into the practice of consuming and choosing the right food? These are some of the pressing issues for Muslims to focus on, which are caused by the rapid development of the food processing industry.

In Islam, although many things have been classified as either halal or haram, there are also grey areas which need further clarification and information. In the Islamic context, religious scholars or ulamas practise ijtihad to clarify and specify the problems in determining the halal status of products or ingredients in certain food procedures.

The halal status should first be determined during the process of food production, rather than being considered in the end product. If and once this is done, only then can the purpose of consumption be realised.

Health and issues related to it are one of the tools in measuring the awareness among Muslims on food consumption and halal products. Poor nutrition and unhealthy conditions contributing to modern ill health are the adverse effects of what the public consume daily.

This can relate closely to the choices that Muslims make in prioritising halal food in their daily food intake. These choices determine their health status.

In this context, the Government or its relevant agencies must use health as the focus in disseminating information and creating awareness on halal food consumption. The public ought to be educated on the importance of good health and halal food consumption as outlined in Islam.

Education is one of the best methods to nurture and create awareness on halal issues in society. This can be done through various planned methods so that information on the issue can reach the public effectively.

Hence, the Government and the relevant authorities must take the responsibility to focus on educating and creating awareness among society on halal products, with accurate and reliable information.

Indeed, awareness is a relative concept whereby a person may be partially aware, subconsciously aware or acutely aware of issues relating to halal aspects. Muslims’ perception on halal is an important assessor in the halal food chain.

Their acceptance and attitude on halal determine whether the food choice truly fulfils the halal criteria or otherwise. Therefore, the halal logo is able to enhance awareness among Muslim consumers in choosing their food. They seem to have adequate information and hence, can make a wise decision before consuming or buying a product.

In Malaysia, the level of awareness on halal is increasing through teaching and learning activities. The public is exposed to the information on halal consumption through television, newspapers, radio and the Internet.

However, information on halal consumption conveyed through social media must be properly examined on its reliability and validity, since there is no close monitoring of the sources of the information. This could cause chaos in society as unreliable and invalid information can create unwanted generalisations or assumptions on the issue.

Discussions and related efforts in reducing misunderstandings and doubts on certain products ought to be conducted regularly by relevant parties. The knowledge or information deduced from discussion sessions or gathered through research or analysis ought to be shared with the general public so that they would have a better and deeper understanding of the issues or solutions offered.

The discussions held would increase society’s awareness on the existing platforms in Islamic laws regarding the determination of halal or haram status of a product. However, such an approach is not the only way to resolve any confusion, since the application of halal principles is also governed by specific prerequisites and considerations that are given by competent individuals and organisations.

Awareness on halal food consumption has to be made a culture among all Muslims. Sensitivity on this issue is important, so that knowledge and information will not cause confusion among Muslims with regard to the halal or haram status of the food product.

Demand and dependency on halal food among Muslims are high. Thus, food manufacturers who would like to capture the market of Muslim consumers must be sensitive to the halal issue so that their business will not be adversely affected and society’s well-being in general is well taken care of.