Halal foods: a quick guide

What is Halal?

Halal foods (allowed)

Haram foods (not allowed)

Australia is a multicultural nation. We welcome and respect different cultures and religions. Islam is one of the top five religions in Australia, so it is important to understand different dietary requirements for school tuckshops

Halal is an Arabic word meaning lawful or permitted Haram is the opposite, meaning unlawful and not permitted These apply to all aspects of life, including food For animals product, these must be prepared in accordance with Islamic law

The main types of foods not considered Halal are:

The main types of foods considered Halal are:

Pork, bacon, ham and any other products sourced from pigs Animal products not killed as per Islamic law or from Haram sources. This includes additives and flavourings like gelatin, or stock from Haram animalsFoods that contain alcohol, even in trace amounts. This includes vanilla extract, mirin (often used in sushi rice), some soy sauces and some vinegars.

All fruit, vegetables, grains, legumes, nuts and eggs Most dairy products (depending on sources of additives) Meat and seafood products are also allowed, if they are prepared and killed in accordance with Islamic law. Most Australian meat is Halal but confirm with your supplier. Vegetarian dishes can be quick and easy way to cater for Halal requirements in the tuckshop

Halal foods: a quick guide

Pre-packaged foods

Products may be marked with a Halal symbol Be sure to double check with manufacturerKeep products in original packaging to prevent cross-contaminationCheck for hidden sources of Haram foods - gelatin or additives from Haram animals

Pre-packaged Halal options are also available and can be a useful addition to tuckshop made Halal items, or if you only have a small number of Islamic students.

Making the tuckshop Halal

To prevent cross-contamination, any Haram foods should be stored, prepared and served in a different area of the tuckshopAny Haram foods should be prepared using different cutting boards, utensils and equipment that are sanitized prior to useIf its not possible to have different storage areas, store Halal foods on the top shelf, above Haram foods to prevent cross-contamination

It is recommended that if you have a high proportion of Islamic students, that the entire menu is Halal. This may be easier than you think! Ask a member of the school community which is Islamic to provide feedback on your practices, or better still, ask them to volunteer in the tuckshop. Otherwise you may offer a mixture of Halal and Haram foods.

Look for this symbol!

There are websites that list halal products, but keep in mind that ingredients and products can change frequently. There are also some non-legitimate websites from anti-Islamic groups. Halal Australia is a good place to start: www.halal-australia.com.au/consumers

Halal foods: a quick guide

Finding out more information

Marketing to your communityIt's important to communicate that you are offering Halal options to your community

Write on your menu that Halal options are availableAdd a function to your online ordering system, similar to allergens (talk to your online ordering supplier if unsure how to do this)Advertise in the school newsletter Put posters at the tuckshop windowAdd stickers or labels on packaging for self service tuckshops

Build trust with students and their families by explaining your practices for maintaining a Halal menu or offer a tour of your tuckshop. In return you may be rewarded with menu ideas, supplier options or extra volunteers, as well as more students ordering from the tuckshop!

For more information on Halal certified manufacturers and Halal foods visit the following websites.

Islamic Council of Queensland: www.icq.net.auHalal Australia: www.halal-australia.com.au/consumers

Our tuckshop

offers Halal menu items!

Ask us!

Halal

Be cautious that ingredients and products can change frequently, so always double check with your supplier. There are also non-legitimate website from anti-Islamic groups on the internet.

Halal foods: a quick guide

Chicken and salad burger  (Halal chicken)

Mini tortilla wraps (vegetarian or Halal meats)

Vegetarian pizzaMexican quesadilla

(bean mix or Halal meats)

Pumpkin & chickpea soupTuna sushi  (without mirin or soy sauce)

Ask members of your school community for their ideas!

Easy Meal Ideas