HALAL REVIEWS

The Use of Placenta in Cosmetic Products from Islamic Perspective

Ahmad Aminuddin Yazid — 2024-07-30

The beauty industry, particularly focused on women, is rapidly expanding globally, with a growing demand for innovative products. One such innovation is the use of placenta, an organ that connects the mother to the fetus, facilitating the transfer of oxygen, nutrients, and waste. While traditionally sourced from mammals, placenta can also be derived from plants and is used in both medicine and cosmetics. Claimed to have anti-wrinkling properties, placental extracts are increasingly incorporated into beauty products, raising significant attention and debate, especially among Muslim scholars, regarding their efficacy and ethical considerations, including their potential use in treating baby blues or postpartum depression. This paper explores the definition of placenta, the legal status, and ethical implications of using placental extracts in cosmetic products. It also examines the Islamic perspective on the use of such ingredients in the beauty industry and discusses alternative ingredients that may serve similar functions without ethical concerns.

The Used of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Managing Intra-Abdominal Pregnancy: A Case Report

Zainul Ikhwan Ahmad Khusairi — 2024-03-16

Most women will experience a normal pregnancy process. However, there are some complications that may occur during the pregnancy. Pregnancy outside of the uterus is also known as intra-abdominal pregnancy. Intra-abdominal pregnancy is among the complications during pregnancy that are commonly reported besides abortion, Pregnancy Induced Hypertension (PIH) and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM). These complications are believed to be the main cause of the increase in maternal and perinatal death rate. Therefore, the used of appropriate diagnostic imaging in management of obstetric cases should be focused. Thus this case study is intended to evaluate the used of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in managing intra-abdominal pregnancy. The study focused on one case of abdominal pregnancy which continued into the second trimester. A 30-year-old woman, G2 P0+1 at 12-13 weeks’ gestation presented to public hospital complaining of recurrence epigastric pain with no history of vaginal bleeding. An MRI was performed and the mother was identified as having an intra-abdominal pregnancy. Urgent laparotomy done. Intraoperative noted heamoperitoneum with active bleed seen from the placenta that adhere to the omentum. Partial omentectomy was done. The fetus about 14 week’s gestation are seen and removed. Case studies have proven that the option to perform an MRI on a suspected intra-abdominal pregnancy can help provide information to establish an accurate diagnosis and appropriate patient care management. Therefore, the use of MRI is highly recommended for all cases that are expected to experience intra-abdominal pregnancy as to save the patient and as well as to avoid obstetric complications.

False Trade Description on Product Packaging

Nur Alya Abdul Rahman — 2024-07-30

In the Malaysian market, the integrity of food labeling, particularly for halal products, is a critical issue due to the prevalence of false trade descriptions on packaging. This paper examines the ethical and legal ramifications of such practices, emphasizing the crucial role of food labels in providing consumers with accurate information to make informed dietary choices. False trade descriptions not only undermine consumer trust but also pose potential risks to consumer safety and damage business reputations. The study investigates common issues related to false trade descriptions, including inaccurate halal certification and ingredient misrepresentation. It also includes a case review of Public Prosecutor v Wee Mee Industries Co Sdn. Bhd., which highlights the legal consequences of such practices and provides a precedent for addressing these issues. Furthermore, the paper explores the application of Halal Forensics, detailing five key concepts and elements relevant to identifying and addressing these misrepresentations. By highlighting the importance of compliance with food labeling regulations, this research aims to promote transparency and accountability among traders, ensuring that consumers receive truthful information about the products they consume.

Food Safety and Public Health

Nur Aisyah Athirah Wijaya — 2024-07-31

Foodborne illnesses present a critical challenge to public health, especially when linked to popular foods like ‘Pudding Buih,’ a beloved Southeast Asian dessert. This case study investigates a significant outbreak of food poisoning in May 2020, involving expired eggs contaminated with Salmonella, which resulted in 99 illnesses and one death in Malaysia. The incident triggered an investigation by the Terengganu State Health Department, revealing lapses in food safety and halal compliance. This study examine the factors leading to the contamination. Findings indicate that expired eggs were the primary source of the outbreak, exacerbated by inadequate food safety practices. The case underscores the importance of stringent food safety standards and halal integrity in preventing similar incidents. Recommendations include enhanced regulatory oversight, routine inspections, and rigorous food handling practices to safeguard public health and uphold consumer trust in halal food products.

Sibutramine in Slimming Products

Arrikzah Daniyah — 2024-07-30

Sibutramine in slimming products has garnered significant attention due to its potential to aid weight loss efforts. Sibutramine, a prescription medication initially developed for obesity treatment, acts on the central nervous system to reduce appetite and promote a feeling of satiety. Although it is known as a special use substance for obesity treatment, it also has dangerous side effects if not consumed without control. As it is known that sibutramine has been banned in Malaysia since 2010, but there are still many products mixed with this dangerous substance being widely sold in market. This study emphasizes sibutramine's use regarding the side effect and regulatory challenges associated with sibutramine in slimming products. This abstract provides an overview of the Islamic perspective on using sibutramine in slimming production and several suggestions for dealing with this case of sibutramine. Furthermore, this study also stated the issues regarding the use of sibutramine in slimming product and analyze the case of law based on chains of evidence of the case. The study concluded that using sibutramine in weight-loss products is illegal under the current law, and all relevant parties must take responsibility for this and contribute to solving the issue.

Hyperion Technology for Halal Food Packaging

Syafikah Huda Paiman — 2024-06-01

As this is the summary of the presentation, it explores the integration of halal and Toyyiban concepts in food packaging and introduces an innovative antimicrobial technology, Hyperion, as a means to improve food safety and sustainability in the halal food industry. The study explores the challenges of current food safety practises and the critical role of packaging in maintaining food quality. Hyperion, a zinc-based antimicrobial additive, is presented as a solution that is in line with halal and Toyyiban principles. The technology's mechanism of action, its applications in food packaging and its synergy with halal and Toyyiban concepts are discussed. The article shows how Hyperion helps to reduce bacterial contamination, extend food shelf life and promote sustainability. The study concludes that the incorporation of such antimicrobial technologies into food packaging represents a significant advance in aligning modern food safety practises with halal and Toyyiban principles and offers benefits for consumers, the food industry and the environment. This integration of technology and traditional principles is a promising approach to address the global challenges of food safety and sustainability in the halal food sector.

The Role of Halal Certification Bodies in Maintaining Ethical Standards: An Insight

Damir Alihodžić — 2024-06-15

This paper examines the crucial role of Halal Certification Bodies (HCBs) in maintaining ethical standards within the rapidly expanding global Halal economy. As the industry grows, the importance of reliable and ethical certification practices becomes increasingly significant. The study explores the three pillars of Halal quality infrastructure: Islamic teachings, modern technology application, and quality assurance management. It analyzes the ethical foundations of Halal certification, rooted in Islamic principles, and discusses the challenges HCBs face in balancing their mission with business pressures, particularly in non-Muslim countries. The research emphasizes the concept of amanah (trust) as fundamental to Halal certification and explores its impact on consumer confidence and industry integrity. The paper also highlights the ongoing development of international standards for Islamic ethics in Halal certification as a key factor in ensuring consistent ethical practices. By examining the multifaceted role of HCBs, this study contributes to the understanding of how ethical standards can be effectively maintained and improved in the global Halal industry, ultimately fostering trust, integrity, and sustainable growth.

Animal Welfare in Islamic Perspective: Examining Modern Livestock Farming Practices

Gemma Ali — 2024-06-15

This presentation summary explores the intersection of Islamic principles of animal welfare with modern livestock production practises in the context of halal food production. It examines the ethical challenges posed by intensive livestock production methods and their potential conflict with Islamic teachings on the treatment of animals. The paper analyses the complex balance between ensuring food security, maintaining economic viability and adhering to religious and ethical standards in animal husbandry. It highlights the opportunities for the halal industry to lead the way in ethical and sustainable animal husbandry and proposes recommendations for comprehensive certification standards, research initiatives and educational programmes. The study concludes that aligning agricultural practises with Islamic principles of animal welfare is critical to the ethical integrity of halal food production and to meeting growing consumer demand for ethically produced food.