Understanding Gelatin: What Makes It Food Grade and Halal?

Gelatin is a common ingredient found in many food products, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. It is a Protein derived from Collagen, which is found in the connective tissues of animals. Gelatin is known for its gelling properties, which make it a popular ingredient in foods such as gummy candies, marshmallows, and gelatin Desserts. When it comes to gelatin, there are two important considerations to keep in mind: food grade and halal. Food grade gelatin refers to gelatin that meets the standards set by regulatory agencies for use in food products. This means that the gelatin has been processed and manufactured in a way that ensures it is safe for consumption. Halal gelatin, on the other hand, refers to gelatin that is produced in accordance with Islamic dietary laws. In order for gelatin to be considered halal, it must be derived from animals that have been slaughtered in a specific manner. The animal must be slaughtered by a Muslim, who recites a blessing over the animal before it is killed. This process is known as halal slaughter, and it is done to ensure that the animal is killed in a humane and ethical way. In addition to the method of slaughter, halal gelatin must also be free from any impurities or additives that are not permissible under Islamic dietary laws. This means that the gelatin must not contain any alcohol, Pork, or other forbidden substances. In order to ensure that gelatin is halal, many manufacturers will seek certification from a halal certifying body.

Physical and chemical Indicators
Item	Unit	Indicator requirements	Test results
Sensory requirements	/	Light yellow /yellow	Light yellow
	/	Solid state	Solid particles
	/	No unpleasant odor	No unpleasant odor
Ph	/	3.5-7.5	5.7
Viscosity	6.67%60℃	Map.s	3.9
Moisture content	%	≤14.0	9.5
Ash content	%	≤2.0	1.08
Condensation strength	Bloom g	≥50	213
Light transmittanceratio	%	Wavelength450nm≥30 Wavelength620nm≥50	Wavelength450nm:79 Wavelength620nm:92
Water insoluble matter	%	≤0.2	0.01
Sulfur dioxide	mg/kg	≤30	12 ppm
Superoxide	mg/kg	≤10	0 ppm
Total arsenic (as As).	mg/kg	≤1.0	0.3
Chromium (as Cr)	mg/kg	≤2.0	0.8
Lead (as Pb)	mg/kg	≤1.5	≤0.3

One of the most common sources of gelatin is pork skin, which is not permissible for consumption in Islam. As a result, many Muslims avoid products that contain gelatin unless they are certain that it is halal. Fortunately, there are alternative sources of gelatin that are halal, such as Beef or Fish gelatin.

In recent years, there has been a growing demand for halal gelatin in the food industry. This has led to the development of new technologies and processes for producing gelatin from halal sources. Some manufacturers have even started using plant-based alternatives to gelatin, such as agar-agar or carrageenan. In conclusion, gelatin is a versatile ingredient that is used in a wide variety of food products. When it comes to choosing gelatin for consumption, it is important to consider whether it is food grade and halal. Food grade gelatin ensures that the product is safe for consumption, while halal gelatin meets the dietary requirements of Muslims. By understanding the differences between food grade and halal gelatin, consumers can make informed choices about the products they consume.