Judaism
Judaism can be Liberal or Orthodox, depending on how strictly people follow the Jewish laws. Kashrut refers to the laws pertaining to food in the Jewish religion. Kosher means that a food is “fit” or permitted. Foods such as pork and shellfish are strictly forbidden. The Jewish ‘food laws’ originated more than 3000 years ago and contribute to a formal code of behavior that reinforces the identity of a Jewish community. Food forms an integral part of religion in life for a practicing Jew.
The Kosher dietary laws: The kosher dietary laws predominantly deal with 3 issues, all focused on the animal kingdom
Allowed animals Ruminants with split hoofs that chew their cud, traditional domestic birds, and fish with fins and removable scales are generally permitted. Pigs, wild birds, sharks, dogfish, catfish, monkfish, and similar species are prohibited, as are all crustacean and molluscan shellfish. Almost all insects are prohibited such that carmine and cochineal, which are used as natural red pigments, are not permitted in kosher products. However, honey and shellac are permitted. Click on this link for a table of animals that are permitted and not permitted Prohibition of blood Ruminants and fowl must be slaughtered according to Jewish law by a specially trained religious slaughter man using a special knife designed for the purpose. Meat and poultry must be furthered prepared by properly removing certain veins, arteries, prohibited fats, blood, and the sciatic nerve. In practical terms, this means that only the front quarter cuts of kosher red meat are used in the U.S and most Western countries. Any ingredients of materials that might be derived from animal sources are generally prohibited because of the difficulty of obtaining them from kosher animals. Prohibition of mixing milk and meat Keeping meat and milk separate in accordance with kosher law requires that the processing and handling of all materials and products fall into one of three categories:
Passover During the passover holiday that occurs in spring, Jews are not permitted to eat usual products made from five prohibited grain: wheat, rye, oats, barley, and spelt (hebrew: "chometz"). Those observing kosher laws can only eat the specially supervised unleaved bread from wheat, that is preprared esecially for the holidays. Consumers who regularly use products such as dietary supplements and non life-threatening drugs will need to obtain a version of their required product that is acceptable at Passover. For drugs, the prohibition of chometz is a special concern since many Jews do not want any manner of chometz in their home, including drugs, pet foods, and non food items such as rubbing alcohol. Kosher Certification Means that food has been subjected to approval by certification systems, which guarantee to consumers that there are no traces of forbidden components within the food. |
Islam
Moderation in all things is central to the Muslim way of life. When done according to the way of Allah, daily acts like eating are considered a form of worship. In Islam, the concept of Halal – meaning ‘lawful or permitted’ – is applied to all areas of a person’s life and includes regulations surrounding food. All foods are allowed (Halal) except for those that are considered harmful. Prohibited foods are called the Haram.
The Halal dietary law: The halal dietary law deals with the following 5 issue
Prohibited and permitted animals The meat of pigs, boars, and swine is strictly prohibited, as are the carnivorous animals such as lions, tigers, cheetahs, cats, dogs, and wolves. Also prohibited are birds of prey such as eagles, falcons, osprey, kites, and vultures. The meat of domesticated animals like ruminants with split hooves (cattle, sheep, goat, or lamb) is allowed for food, as are camels and buffaloes. Also permitted are the birds that do not use their claws to hold down food, such as chickens, turkeys, ducks, and etc.Food from the sea, namely, fish and seafood are the most controversial among various denominations of Muslims. However, most seafood are considered halal. Prohibition of blood There is a general agreement among Muslim scholars that anything made from blood is unacceptable. Products like blood sausage and blood albumin is considered Haram. Slaughtering of permitted animals There are special requirements for slaughtering of the animal
Prohibition of carrion
Carrion and dead animals are unfit for human consumption because the decaying process leads to the formation of chemicals harmful to humans. Prohibition of alcohol and intoxicants Consumption of alcoholic drinks and other intoxicants is prohibited. Although there is no allowance or added alcohol in any beverage, small amounts of alcohol contributed from food ingredients may be considered an impurity and hence ignored. As long as the amount of alcohol remaining in the final product is below 0.1%. Halal Certification Means that food has been subjected to approval by certification systems, which guarantee to consumers that there are no traces of forbidden components within the food. Link on the links below to read 2 interviews about patients that are Muslim:
Muslim interview 1 Muslim interview 2 |
Gelatin in medicines
Gelatin (stearic acid) is derived from beef or pork products and is an ingredient in almost all medications that are in capsule form. It is sometimes, although less commonly, present in tablet formulations, as well. It is probably the most controversial of all modern kosher and halal ingredients.For our Muslim patients, ingestion of pork is forbidden by their religious convictions. This often results in a therapeutic challenge for clinicians. In general, choosing tablet forms of medication instead of capsules for Muslim patients, when possible, can minimise gelatin exposures.
References:
a) Regenstein JM, Chaudry MM, Regenstein CE, The Kosher and Halal Food Law, Food and Science Tech. (2003) 2: 111-127
b) http://www.religionfacts.com/judaism/practices/kosher.htm
c) http://siloaminstitute.org/2013/06/13/muslims-and-gelatin-based-medications/
d) http://mideastfood.about.com/od/middleeasternfood101/a/halalfoods.htm
e) http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcpdf.nsf/ByPDF/Food_culture_and_religion/$File/Food_culture_and_religion.pdf
a) Regenstein JM, Chaudry MM, Regenstein CE, The Kosher and Halal Food Law, Food and Science Tech. (2003) 2: 111-127
b) http://www.religionfacts.com/judaism/practices/kosher.htm
c) http://siloaminstitute.org/2013/06/13/muslims-and-gelatin-based-medications/
d) http://mideastfood.about.com/od/middleeasternfood101/a/halalfoods.htm
e) http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcpdf.nsf/ByPDF/Food_culture_and_religion/$File/Food_culture_and_religion.pdf