Are All Cheeses Halal?
1.. 2.. 3.. Say Cheese! But wait... is it halal?
Did you know that the word "cheese" can be used in various situations and connote different meanings such as "Say cheese!" when taking photos, to "Don't be cheesy" when someone's being overly sentimental, or even the rather impolite "cut the cheese". But let's focus on the food itself - that delightful dairy product which is a key ingredient in elevating the flavour of dishes such as pizzas, burgers, pasta, sandwiches, omelettes, cakes, salads and countless others.
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You might have heard people say, "Oh, it's just cheese. Cheese is made from milk, so it's halal". But is this really true? Are all cheeses indeed halal? Let's delve into the world of cheesemaking to find out.
Read: What is Halal?
The Art and Science of Cheesemaking
The main ingredient in cheese is milk, which can come from cows, goats, sheep or even buffalo! The cheesemaking process involves two key components: bacteria and rennet (an enzyme). Here's how it works:
1. Bacteria are added to the milk, turning lactose into lactic acid. This is what gives cheese its distinctive flavour.
2. Rennet is then added to curdle the milk, separating it into solid curds and liquid whey. This process is called coagulation.
3. Cheesemakers separate the curds from the whey and add salt for flavour and to suppress bacterial growth.
4. Depending on the type of cheese, the curds may be pressed into wheels or blocks.
5. Some cheeses undergo an ageing process to develop specific flavours. This involves storing the cheese at controlled temperature and humidity for days, weeks, or even years!
6. Finally, additional flavourings or ingredients like fruits and nuts may be added before packaging.
So, Are All Cheeses Halal?
The answer lies primarily in the source of the rennet used. Traditionally, rennet came from the stomachs of young ruminants (usually calves). However, in modern cheesemaking, there are several sources of rennet:
1. Animal rennet: Derived from animal stomachs (may not be halal if it’s not from a halal-slaughtered animal or non-halal animal like pigs)
2. Plant-based rennet: Extracted from plants like thistle or artichoke (generally considered halal)
3. Microbial rennet: Produced by certain fungi or bacteria (generally considered halal)
Read: Common Questions About Halal and Halal Certification In Singapore
To determine if a cheese is halal (when it's not halal-certified), you'll need to check the ingredient list for the source of rennet. If it uses plant-based or microbial rennet and contains no other non-halal ingredients, then it's likely permissible. Bismillah! You can enjoy your cheese with peace of mind.
In addition to rennet, carefully read the label to ensure all other ingredients, such as food additives and flavourings, are halal too.
Remember, when in doubt, look for halal-certified cheeses or Check, Ask, Decide. After all, being cheesy is fine, but being informed is even better!
Read: Halalan Tayyiban: More Than Just Halal
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