Analysis of E-coded food additives in delicatessen product labels within the status of Halal food

Abstract

The increase in the world population, technological developments and the increase in the demand for food have increased the use of food additives due to the increasing demand for ready and long-lasting foods. The sources of food additives and the way they are obtained are questioned by people primarily for religious reasons. Muslim societies do not consume certain foods and additives added to them due to their religious beliefs. The aim of this study is to identify those suspected to be halal among E-coded additives on meat product labels. Within the scope of the study the label information of the meat products on sale in 5 different markets in the city center of Şanlıurfa were examined. Food labels of 122 products from different brands were examined. We identified 12 different doubtful food additives on the labels of meat products, and 11 labels included 1 food additive defined as non-halal according to the standard. As the Muslim population is spreading all over the world and the need for Halal products is rapidly increasing, the Halal food industry is growing and the importance of proper Halal certification of food products is increasing. It is necessary to clarify the Halal status of food additives in order to meet Halal requirements.