How to Check If a Product Is Halal or Haram – A Simple Guide by Family Hut

Choosing halal food is essential for Muslim customers, especially in Japan where ingredient labels are often written only in Japanese. At Family Hut, we want every customer to shop with confidence.

This guide will show you how to check whether a product is halal or haram using simple and practical steps.

 ✔ 1. Look for a Recognized Halal Certification Logo

The safest and most reliable sign is a proper halal certification mark.
Trusted halal certifiers include:

• JAKIM (Malaysia)

• MUI (Indonesia)

• MUIS (Singapore)

• Japan Halal Association (JHA)

• Nippon Asia Halal Association (NAHA)

If the logo looks unclear, low-quality, or does not match known halal bodies → double-check the brand.

✔ 2. Read the Ingredients Carefully

Some ingredients may look normal but can be haram or doubtful.

Usually halal:

• Spices

• Sugar & salt

• Wheat, rice, corn

• Plant-based oils

• Vegetable extracts

Doubtful / Possibly haram:

• Gelatin (unless labeled halal beef gelatin)

• Shortening

• Animal fat

• Emulsifiers (E471, E472, E473)

• Natural flavoring (may include alcohol)

If anything is unclear, search the ingredient or choose a verified halal item.

✔ 3. Understand E-Numbers (Additives)

Japan uses many E-codes in packaged foods.

Usually halal:

• E100 – Turmeric

• E160a – Carotene

• E300 – Vitamin C

Suspicious:

• E441 – Gelatin

• E471 / E472 – Emulsifiers (animal origin possible)

• E120 – Cochineal (insects)

When the source is not specified, consider it doubtful.

 ✔ 4. Check for Alcohol (Very Common in Japan)

Many Japanese seasonings include alcohol.
Avoid products containing:

• みりん (mirin)

• 酒 (sake)

• ワイン (wine)

• アルコール

• エタノール

If any are listed → product is not halal.

 ✔ 5. Confirm the Meat Source

For meat products, check:

• “Halal beef” / “Halal chicken” label

• Zabiha or halal slaughter confirmation

• Trusted halal exporters (Malaysia, Indonesia, Brazil halal plants)

• Certificate from a known halal board

If the source is unknown, avoid it.

✔ 6. Use Halal Checking Apps

Helpful apps include:

• Scan Halal

• Halal Check

• Muslim Pro (Halal section)

• Halal Navi (Japan-friendly)

These help identify doubtful ingredients quickly.

✔ 7. Buy From Trusted Halal Shops Like Family Hut

Shopping from proper halal stores gives peace of mind.
At Family Hut, we guarantee:

• Verified halal suppliers

• No alcohol-based ingredients

• Proper documentation

• Clean handling & no cross contamination

• Transparency for every product

We treat halal as a serious responsibility.

✔ 8. Ask Questions Anytime

If you’re unsure:

• Ask the staff or shop

• Check the manufacturer’s website

• Search for the halal certificate

• Compare with similar products with proper labels

Protecting halal is part of protecting your health & faith.

 ⭐ Conclusion – Halal Shopping Made Easy in Japan

Finding halal products in Japan can be difficult, but by checking certification logos, ingredients, additives, alcohol, and meat sources, you can shop more safely.

Family Hut is always here to support you with 100% verified halal groceries and honest guidance.