As the halal market continues to grow, more businesses want to enter this profitable, ethically oriented sector. The problem with so much interest in halal products is that far too many companies these days employ certain terms to beguile or mislead consumers. It is critically important for any business to learn how proper terminology will uphold authenticity, build trust, and follow principles pertaining to halal. With the global halal market reportedly set to be worth over $2 trillion in 2025, credibility in business methods remains a top priority for the future.
In research, multinational companies have made moves to focus on Muslims to increase their profits. This results in confusion over what can truly be labeled as “halal.” They try to market all their products as halal despite not actually being or potentially not actually fully adhering to the criteria of proper halal to meet this demand.
Also recently in Malaysia, there was a problem with the halal logo on a chicken ham and cheese sandwich. The logo was linked to a different company. Also, the chicken meat slices were claimed to have halal certification from JAKIM; however, JAKIM clarified that while the chicken meat slices are certified halal, the overall product, the sandwich, did not possess a valid halal certification. This issue has caused confusion and concern, especially for Muslims who rely on proper halal certification.
Therefore, here are some common misleading terms to avoid in maintaining transparency and following the principle of halal, including the following:
1) “Halal-Friendly” or “Muslim-Friendly”
The term “halal-friendly” or “Muslim-friendly” is usually used by premises without halal certification but still provides halal menus for Muslim consumers. However, this term has no clear definition and is quite vague. Without formal halal certification or a detailed explanation of how the product meets the halal standards, it becomes quite challenging for consumers to trust the authenticity of such a product.
2) Halal-certified ingredients or Halal central kitchens
The terms “halal ingredients” and “halal central kitchen” are misleading in various marketing materials if the nature of processing is not proper. For example, if the kitchen also prepares non-halal food or doesn’t follow strict practices to avoid cross-contamination (like using the same utensils or equipment for halal and non-halal items), the food might not remain halal. To maintain a halal standard, proper practice involves the entire process, which includes such things as ingredient sourcing and food preparation that should meet halal standards.
3) “Halal Assured,” “Muslim Meals,” or “Ramadan Buffet” as Synonyms for Halal
Non-certified halal foods that use terms that mislead can cause confusion to Muslim consumers into thinking a product meets official halal standards when it may not. In Malaysia, the government banned the use of halal logos, symbols, and terms like “ditanggung halal” (halal assured), “Muslim food,” and “Ramadan buffet” if they could confuse Muslim consumers. For instance, a user expressed uncertainty on a Reddit platform about the halal status of meals on an Emirates flight. This shows how consumers are not confident to eat foods even though they are claimed to be halal.
4) “Natural,” “Organic,” “Vegan”, or “Cruelty-Free” in Cosmetics
While natural and organic products may agree with the ethical stand of Islam, they do not necessarily classify them as halal. These terms are often common in makeup and skincare brands. Not only that, organic certification does not guarantee the product is free from alcohol, pork, or any other haram constituent. Businesses should not assume such terminology would imply a halal status in the absence of clear, documented evidence.
Conclusion
Transparency is highly important in all the dealings of a halal business. Misleading this term will risk driving the Muslim consumer away and may even invite the scrutiny of the trusted halal certifying bodies. For long-term trust, businesses should make sure their products are labeled correctly, with ethics and operational standards also followed to the call of halal practices.
The three strong pillars on which a brand in the halal market would be rightly built are certification, clear communication, and ethical sourcing. This will allow companies to position themselves as serious and sincere operators in the fast-growing halal market. After all, understanding and respect for halal business practices are not a fad but a commitment to integrity and trust.
