Halal food and the importance of pig DNA tests and enzymatic ethanol tests
Halal food products are very important in the Muslim community. The word "halal" means "permitted" or "permissible" in Arabic. These foods are permitted under Islamic law because of their ingredients and manufacturing and processing methods. The use of the term has been regulated in the Codex Alimentarius (FAO, WHO) since 1997.
In order for a food to be certified as Halal, strict regulations must be adhered to: It must not contain any ingredients that are considered "haram" or "forbidden" in Islam. These include in particular pork and products made from pork (e.g. pork gelatine) as well as alcohol (e.g. often also contained in flavorings).
lifeprint GmbH - A Tentamus Company, the molecular biology competence center of the Tentamus Group, offers DNA tests for the detection of pork and other animal species. Enzymatic ethanol tests are performed in cooperation with the sister laboratory bilacon GmbH - A Tentamus Company.
Detection of pig DNA (and other animal species)
lifeprint uses highly specific Real Time PCR to detect pig DNA (including wild boar). These tests are very sensitive to detect even the smallest traces of pig DNA. The detection is also suitable to detect pig gelatin in bovine gelatin.
Other animal species such as donkeys or even various fish are considered "haram" and may also not be included in halal food - lifeprint offers the detection of donkey (incl. horse) using Real Time PCR. By means of sequencing and "Next-Generation-Sequencing" fish and fish products can be analyzed accordingly.
Detection of ethanol
bilacon uses an enzymatic method to determine the ethanol content in food. This method is very sensitive and can detect the smallest amounts of ethanol. This is important, for example, to detect alcohol used in the production of flavorings.
Detection of undesirable admixtures, e.g. in spices
Various intoxicating plants and spices are also considered "haram". lifeprint uses "next-generation sequencing" to analyze the species composition of a food. This allows the identification of unexpected and undesirable admixtures.
The laboratories of the Tentamus Group examine your Halal food products
The presented analytics ensure that Halal foods meet the strict requirements. Tentamus Group is committed to ensuring that tested Halal foods meet the highest standards and are safe for consumption through its advanced technologies and expertise.