In recent times, gelatin has been rapidly used in every product, especially in ready-to-eat snacks. But the primary concern about gelatin is the source from which it is made. Thus to be much more clear, it was further classified into different categories, among them once such was bovine Gelatin.
Bovine gelatin refers to the type of gelatin derived from cattle, specifically from cow hides and bones. But the question remains, is Bovine Gelatin Halal? Someone who practices a halal diet is always in the dilemma of whether or not the ingredients used in the items they consume are under Islamic principles.
Before knowing whether bovine gelatin is halal, we must examine the production process to understand what happens in the making.
Bovine Gelatin Production Process
Bovine gelatin is a protein-rich substance extracted from the collagen found in cow hides and bones. Here’s a brief overview of the production process:
- Preparation: The first step is to clean the cow hides or bones thoroughly to remove any impurities.
- Extraction: The collagen-rich materials undergo a gentle and carefully controlled process, usually simmering or boiling, to extract the gelatin. Do note; this is still not the purest form of gelatin.
- Filtration: The gelatin solution is then filtered to remove any remaining impurities or undissolved particles.
- Concentration: Before drying the gelatin, it undergoes concentration to achieve desired consistency.
- Cooling and Solidification: In this process, the concentrated gelatin solution is cooled, solidifying it into a gel-like substance. It is carefully done in a controlled environment to obtain the desired texture and consistency of the gelatin.
- Drying: The gelatin gel is then dried to remove the remaining moisture, forming sheets or granules of bovine gelatin (powder).
- Packaging: The purest form of gelatin is then packed in an airtight container to maintain its quality until it is ready to use.
The final powdery-like substance obtained has no taste or smell and dissolves easily in water.
Sources of Bovine Gelatin
Bovine Gelatin is sourced from cattle, primarily from cow’s hides and bones. The reason for specifically choosing hides and bones is because this part contains abundant collagen, a crucial component for gelatin production.
As these two parts of the animals are the by-products of the meat industry, it ensures maximum animal utilization and minimizing waste.
Is Bovine Gelatin Halal?
Bovine gelatin is considered halal if the cattle are slaughtered following Islamic dietary guidelines. Also, it must be free from cross-contamination with non-halal substances during production, processing, and packaging.
The primary concern is the slaughtering process following the Islamic diet, especially in European countries, as it doesn’t always adhere to the Islamic dietary guidelines.
Besides, different scholars have different opinions on bovine gelatin’s halal status. Also, an interesting take on this matter by the Islamicqa states that if the animal is not slaughtered in a halal way, one can still consume the bovine gelatin that is specifically made from the bones but not the skin.
If you are traveling or staying in an Islamic country, the chances of them using halal bovine gelatin are very high as they are slaughtered under the halal method.
Is Bovine Gelatin Halal in Vitamins?
Before knowing the halal status of Bovine Gelatin, one must understand that Vitamins fall under the category of supplements and not medicine. Thus it is less vital than it is in the case of medicine.
Moving forward, gelatin is a rich source of protein with a rich amino acid profile, which adds to many health benefits. Also, according to Healthline, gelatin reduces joint and bone pains. It also helps in reducing skin ageing. Thus gelatin is commonly seen in most supplements, especially vitamins.
Companies have started mentioning the gelatin’s source, whether it is porcine gelatin, bovine gelatin, fish gelatin, plant-based gelatin, or whatever type it is. This brought relief for people who consume as per Islamic dietary restrictions.
Thou bovine gelatin source is cattle, especially cow hides and bones. However, the crucial concern remains the halal compliance of bovine gelatin, whether or not it is slaughtered as per Islamic dietary laws.
The issue is that even though bovine gelatin is mentioned in the ingredients, one doesn’t know if it is sourced following halal standards. Thus, one must contact the company to enquire whether they fit the halal requirements for bovine products.
Also check out, The Halal Status of Oyster
Is Bovine Gelatin Halal in Medicine?
While researching online about whether it is halal to consume medicine that contains bovine gelatin or not, and was surprised to see that most articles mentioned that if it is not following halal standards, then it is straightway haram, which isn’t the case. It is way more complex.
Suppose Bovine gelatin originates from a halal cow or sheep. In that case, no matter from whichever country it is sourced, it is halal, and one can consume the medicine that contains bovine gelatin. But what if it is not derived from a cow that isn’t slaughtered as per Islamic guidelines? This can be due to obtaining the hides or bones via non-halal standards, such as stunning, electrifying, or suffocation.
In this scenario, scholars have two different opinions, and one side says it is haram as it doesn’t follow Islamic dietary restrictions.
The other opinion, which the Islamic Organisation of Medical Science selected, states that if an object is changed, that is, it changes its physical or chemical characteristics into a new substance, it becomes halal. (source)
So, it is up to you to decide which scholarly opinion you want to follow and thus abide by it.
Do Check Out, Is Hookah Haram in Islam?
Frequently Asked Questions regarding Bovine Gelatin (FAQs)
Is Jamieson Bovine Gelatin Halal?
Jamieson has recently updated their about us page, in which, in one of the FAQs, they clearly stated that the bovine gelatin is sourced from certified halal beef.
Is Bovine Gelatin Kosher?
For gelatin to be kosher certified, it must be made from kosher animals that underwent kosher slaughter and processing (but as Jews and Muslims follow similar slaughtering practices, it shouldn’t be a concern). Unlike the halal status of bovine, this part also has two opinions, one which says it is not if it doesn’t follow kosher standards. In contrast, the other side says as it goes through a total transformation in some cases, it can be considered kosher, especially in medicines.
Does Bovine Gelatin Contain Pork?
Bovine gelatin is derived from cattle, such as cows, sheep, or camel, and doesn’t contain pork/pig. Pork gelatin is referred to as porcine gelatin.
Are there any religious considerations or restrictions for consuming bovine gelatin?
Yes, Muslims following an Islamic diet should check if the animals obtained while making bovine are slaughtered per halal standards. However, there are some exceptions in the case of medicines.
How can I ensure that the bovine gelatin used in a product is halal?
Even though it mentions bovine gelatin, the only way to be sure if it is halal is to contact the manufacturer, as in most cases, only the term bovine gelatin is mentioned and nothing else.
Is bovine gelatin vegetarian?
No, bovine gelatin is made from the skin and bones of cattle.
Can Muslims eat cow Gelatin?
Muslims can consume cow gelatin, also known as bovine gelatin if it is produced as per Islamic dietary laws.
