When you think of food in Canada, you might picture poutine, maple syrup, and butter tarts. But Canada’s culinary scene is more diverse than you might imagine. Finding Halal food in Canada and other non-Muslim countries is a challenge for Muslims. They often struggle to find halal food and other halal products.
In this blog, we are going to explore a unique aspect of Canadian food culture most probably, the Halal food in Canada. What is it and why does it matter a lot for the Muslims? The most fascinating is how Halal food has become a part of Canada’s food landscape.
So let’s explore it further!
The Importance of Halal
Halal is a word you will often hear when talking about Islamic dietary rules. It means “permissible” in Arabic, and it’s about food that Muslims can eat. The opposite of Halal is Haram which means the food that is not allowed to eat in Islam. It is the food that do not follow halal dietary requirements.
Most of the migrants, as well as the newcomers coming to Canada from countries where everything is inherently Halal, might not know that they need to be careful about what they eat. The concept of checking for Halal food might be new to them.
Many Muslims consume non-halal products without being aware of it. Simply reading the product labels may not provide the full picture. Items like candies, yogurt, jellies, baked goods, and even some pharmaceutical products can contain gelatin, which might be sourced from pork. Ingredients like animal shortening such as lard and brewer’s yeast are also not considered Halal. Even seemingly harmless items like vanilla extract flavoring can contain alcohol.
Halal Food Standards
Halal food standards in Canada were set at the University of Toronto’s St. George campus. They were established by the Food Services Department in 2009, in collaboration with the Anti-Racism and Cultural Diversity Office. These standards aim to make people more aware of the Halal food options available while making sure that clear labeling practices are followed throughout the St. George campus.
In April 2016, the Government of Canada changed the Food and Drug Regulations Act to provide customers with more information about how Halal food products are made, packaged, and labeled.
Food Services is currently working on updating our food standards to meet these changes. Halal restaurants all across Canada also follow these rules and standards.
Halal-labeled foods strictly consist of ingredients that are entirely acceptable for consumption according to Islamic guidelines and have not been in contact with non-halal items.
Halal food products include the following:
- Zabiha meat, such as beef and lamb, and poultry.
- Fish with scales.
- Products derived from Zabiha animals.
- Eggs from permissible birds like chicken, ostrich etc
- Milk from permissible animal species like cow and camel.
- Vegetables, fruits, and grains, except for those known to cause intoxication.
- All plant-based ingredients, excluding those causing intoxication.
- Zero presence of alcohol or its traces in any form.
- Excluding pork and its by-products
The Surge of Halal Food Markets in Canada
The surge in Halal food markets across Canada reflects the growing demand for Halal products among a diverse population. These markets cater to the needs of consumers seeking food that complies with Islamic dietary guidelines. From traditional to international Halal offerings, these markets have become essential sources for a wide range of certified products, making it easier for people to access and enjoy Halal cuisine in various forms.
The expansion of Halal food markets is not only a testament to Canada’s multiculturalism but also a reflection of the evolving culinary landscape that embraces the flavors and traditions of different cultures.
The increasing Muslim population in Canada has resulted in a notable surge in the consumption of Halal food, prompting several retailers, producers, and restaurants to explore opportunities for capitalizing on this trend.
Sylvain Charlebois, an expert in food distribution and policy at Dalhousie University in Halifax, emphasizes the immense scale of this industry, which boasts an $80-billion global market. In Canada, the Halal food market stands at approximately $1 billion, experiencing consistent annual growth in the range of 10-15%, significantly surpassing the growth rates of many other product categories.
Availability of Halal Food in Canada
The availability of Halal food in Canada is on the rise, reflecting the country’s diverse and multicultural landscape. With a substantial Muslim population and a growing demand for Halal products, you can find Halal food options in various places across Canada. This includes dedicated Halal restaurants, Halal sections in grocery stores, Halal-certified food products, and even mainstream fast-food chains offering Halal menu items. The increased awareness of Halal dietary requirements has led to more inclusive options for consumers, making it easier to access and enjoy Halal cuisine throughout the country.
At the same time, major fast-food chains such as Pizza Pizza, KFC, Popeyes, and Nando’s have introduced Halal menu options to cater to the preferences of their Halal-conscious customers. However, not all food chains are halal, it depends on the location or outlets. So it is better to confirm first then make any decision of dining there.
Halal Certification Process
Halal certification is a vital process that guarantees that food and products conform to the dietary laws of Islam, as outlined in the Quran. For Muslims, consuming Halal products is not just a preference but a religious obligation.
The certification ensures that the food and its production methods are free from ingredients and processes that are considered Haram (forbidden) in Islamic law.
In Canada, various accredited Halal certification bodies work closely with the government to certify products as Halal. These bodies ensure that the entire process, from sourcing ingredients to manufacturing and distribution, complies with Halal standards.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is responsible for ensuring that all food products, including Halal ones, meet the country’s food safety standards. The CFIA conducts inspections to ensure that production facilities maintain cleanliness and adhere to food safety practices.
To wrap it up, Halal food is becoming more available in Canada, showing the country’s respect for diversity. As more Muslims come to Canada, there are more choices for Halal food. Whether you like traditional or modern Halal dishes, Canada has something for you. The labeling and standards help you find truly Halal products. So, whether you’re a long-time resident or new to the country, you can enjoy the tasty world of Halal food in Canada.
To explore halal restaurants and places in Canada, we welcome you to explore our vast list of halal places. So stay connected with us to explore the diverse halal food scene in Canada.