The Use of Transglutaminase Enzymes in Food: Is There Any Issue of Lawful and Unlawful in Islam?

Abstract

In many years ago, consumers in Malaysia do not recognize the term of enzyme. However, the fact that today most consumers have known the term even though in general. Indirectly, it shows the spread out of the use of enzymes in food production in Malaysia. Enzyme is a kind of material which is consisting of protein and it is available in all living systems. Even living systems are in need of the enzyme function. It serves as a catalyst for reactions that occur in living systems. Catalyzing a reaction means the reaction can not occur or occurs at a slower rate in the absence of the enzyme. With the enzyme, the reaction can occur at a rate as required and finally produce a product that may be useful for the Muslim community. The finding of this study shows the importance of enzymes in the production of food products, medicine and so on. But however, the Muslim scholars decided that the enzyme must be derived from lawful sources if not, any product containing it would be unlawful to be consumed. The importance of this study is very relevant to Muslim community because it will help to solve the problem of food products, medicine and the like in relating to legal decision. © Medwell Journals, 2012.