Globalization: Explaining the dynamics and challenges of the ḥalāl food surge

Abstract

Western dietary regulations are not in conformity with Islamic prescriptions for eatable meat (ḥalāl meat). This has led to the mushrooming of privately-driven ḥalāl regimes in many countries. This paper examines the increasing interest in ḥalāl food, analyses the factors behind this surge, its complexities, dynamics, progress and challenges. It investigates the interrelatedness of globalization, religious identity and multiculturalism in the context of ḥalāl, and the growing expression of Islamic cultural identity in a globalized world. A survey and analysis of thirty-six ḥalāl certification agencies in 18 countries, where foods are exported to Muslim countries, show that ḥalāl certification is largely championed by private and non-governmental bodies that seek to entrench Islamic food codes in the national laws. The paper identifies some countries that have institutionalized ḥalāl certification regimes for all food imports and exports.