Meeting the requirements of halal gelatin: A mini review

Abstract

Gelatin is a traditional functional protein with water-soluble properties and has the potential of forming transparent gels under certain conditions. The major source of gelatin is pigskin and is using in processed food and medicinal products. Though the use of food products adulterated with porcine-derived gelatin create concerns in the mind of Muslim communities, as in Islam; it is not acceptable or literally, it is called Haram in Islam Religion. However, in recent times initiatives have been taken in producing gelatin from Halal sources, such as fish, chicken and bovine slaughtered according to Islamic teachings. Therefore, we highlighted different porcine alternative derived gelatin sources and also methods to detect edible product contents pork or other haram stuff. This review could be useful in providing information to a large number of readers and food processing companies to minimize or if possible eradicate the use of porcine-derived gelatin in commercial food and medicinal products.