Halal and its opposite classification, haram, are terms used to describe all things and actions that are permitted or prohibited in Islam.

What does this mean for food? For many Muslims, halal dictates what they're allowed to consume: no alcohol, no pork and only meat from animals slaughtered in accordance with Islamic ritual. So that consumers can be sure of what they're eating, a variety of halal certifications are available. Companies can have these issued for a fee.

Halal isn’t just a religious requirement, but a huge market too. In 2023, the global halal food market was worth around €1.2 trillion. Halal is also booming in Europe. In Berlin, for example, many restaurants now offer halal-certified food.