Industries
Halal dairy certification
Plain milk is simple. Cheese, yoghurt and whey products are not, because of what is added and what the cultures grow on. TGHA traces the milk, the rennet, the cultures and every additive.
What we assess
- The milk source: milk from permitted animals, with nothing added except salt, is generally treated as low risk
- The coagulant (rennet) and other enzymes, and where they come from
- Starter cultures and the media they grow on, which must be free of prohibited ingredients
- Flavours, gelatine, emulsifiers and colours
- Fats and processing aids, since pig fat is strictly prohibited
- Cleaning between runs on shared lines
Where authorities differ
Rennet from calves not slaughtered according to Islamic law is not permitted by most participants at the International Islamic Fiqh Academy. Rennet from properly slaughtered permitted animals, microbial rennet and genetically engineered rennet are accepted. Pig rennet is prohibited.
Common issues
Animal rennet or lipase of unknown source; whey that inherits the rennet's status; cultures grown on animal-protein media; pig-derived or non-halal fats; gelatine and flavours in processed dairy; shared lines.
Frequently asked questions
Is cheese halal?
It depends on the rennet and other inputs. Microbial rennet, or rennet from properly slaughtered calves, is generally acceptable. Pig rennet never is. Rennet from animals not slaughtered according to Islamic law is disputed, and many certifiers refuse it.
Is whey halal?
Whey takes on the status of the cheese it came from, including its rennet.
Is plain milk halal?
Milk from permitted animals with nothing added except salt is treated as low risk. The animal's feed and the plant still matter.
Ready to certify with confidence?
Tell us your product, site, and target market — we'll come back with a costed proposal and an indicative timeline.