What do Halal, Dhabiha Halal and Haram Mean?

- The word Halal means "proper and permitted." Halal food is permitted by Allah (God) for Muslim consumption and includes all fruits, vegetables and grains. This was all the definition required for followers of Islam before the growth of processed foods. The processing of foods makes many formerly "vegetarian" meals, breads, yogurts or cereals no longer considered halal.

- Dhabiha Halal refers to meat and poultry properly slaughtered by a Muslim according to Islamic rituals. It also refers to processed meats, meat products, and meat by-products.

- Haram means "prohibited" or "forbidden" by Allah for Muslim consumption, including pork and alcohol.

How have processed foods complicated the definition of halal?

Ingredients used in processed foods may contain hidden haram components. For example, these may be in colors, flavors or processing aids, as well as in sub-ingredients used. Processing plants may also produce products for non-Islamic consumers where one ingredient supplier may be acceptable for non-halal products, but not approved for halal products.

The equipment used must be free of non-halal ingredients before starting halal production and from contamination while in production. Foods not prepared or processed using halal standards and ingredients may be unacceptable to Muslims, just as would be haram products such as alcohol or pork.

What does halal certification require?

For a product to be halal certified, it must be produced under the inspection and evaluation of Muslim professionals trained in both Islamic religious laws and in production practices. Even products produced by Muslim-owned companies require independent, trained, outside inspectors. Customers rely upon the experience and reputation of trusted inspectors, slaughtermen and Islamic organizations that certify products as halal, not on who owns the company.

Many non-Muslims incorrectly believe that halal certification means nothing more than having a Muslim bless the plant and declare that the products are now halal. Some producers mistakenly believe that by not adding pork or alcohol ingredients, they can "self-certify" and label the product as halal for export or domestic sale. Some producers fail to use dhabiha halal meat, believing that as long as the meat is not pork, it is halal. They also fail to check the sub-ingredient lists or fail to independently evaluate production control. Not only must ingredients be reviewed for permissibility, but also suppliers of the ingredients must be approved. The result of this erroneous "self-certifying" activity may result in blacklisting of exporters, and the creation of new laws in the US to prosecute and fine companies for such practices.

Halal certification is unique. Kosher is not Halal.

The use of alcohol in flavors or colors is not a kosher issue, but is an issue for followers of Islam. In addition, kosher slaughter does not meet the Islamic religious requirement of blessing each animal at the moment of slaughter. And kosher certification of many vegetarian-type items do not meet halal standards. For example, cheese, marshmallows, candies, baked goods and yogurt may have enzyme and gelatin ingredients from animals which are not dhabiha halal. The complexities of processed foods and the religious requirements of dhabiha halal slaughter make halal certification unique.

Refrigeration-Free Packaging
Every main course J&M® halal and dhabiha halal meal is fully-cooked. It can be re-heated in its container and eaten without any further preparation. Unlike freeze-dried or dehydrated foods, not even water is required to be added. Just heat and eat! When stored below 80F (27C), J&M® main course meals remain "fresh" for approximately 24 months from production when packaged in plastic trays and for five (5) years from production in foil pouches.

Consumers
Order certified halal and dhabiha halal meals for UPS delivery direct to your:

• home
• office
• dormitory
• continental US destination
• vacations or business trips

Order meals in 10 oz (283 gm) trays for every day use and vacations, and in 8 oz. (227 gm) foil pouches for long-term storage, camping or international travel.

Institutions
Since every meal is fully-cooked, just heat it in the microwave and within two minutes, provide a scrumptious meal. Or heat in a vertical steamer or in boiling water. We take orders from institutions and direct deliver via either UPS or LTL. Orders can be for as few as one case to as many as required.

Rations
J&M Food Products Company is the international leader in halal certified rations for MILITARY MREs, and EMERGENCY & CAMPING meals.

Logistics and Delivery System
Direct delivery via UPS or LTL saves additional costs of distributors. J&M Food Products Company's company-owned distribution center is located in Chicago, Illinois.

Tested and Approved
J&M® main course meals were tested and approved by:

• NASA
• US Surgeon General
• US Army Natick Testing Labs
• Consumers

Certified Halal and Dhabiha Halal
J&M® main course meals and food products are certified halal under the direct inspection of the Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America (IFANCA) . All meat and poultry products are certified dhabiha halal. Muslim slaughtermen are under Islamic supervision which is approved by IFANCA. All other food components and packaging used in rations are certified halal by IFANCA. IFANCA was founded in 1982.