My question is about mono and diglycerides which is present in most of our foods. Recently got to know they’re not halal.
Bismillahi Ta’ala
Walaikum Assalam Warahmatullah
Glycerol or Glycerides are esters of fatty acids. They may be sourced from animal as well as from plants.
We are currently investigating whether there is a complete change established when any of such glycerol, glycol and other glycerides through their process from esterification etc. However, these can take time. So, for the time being, we have to adopt a stance which is built on caution.
Hence, animal sourced glycerides (mono or dyglycerides) and other such glycerols/glycol will be treated as doubtful (Mashbooh) and to be avoided.
However, the industry also uses plant sourced glycerides as well. These are permissible for consumption.
During our review, we use either direct labelling to see if these are sourced from non-animal sources, or we use certifications which assist us. For example, a Kosher certification which does not combine meat and dairy (Kosher Dairy), will not use such glycerides from animal source. And such certification (like Kosher Dairy) in a product containing dairy will assist us to decide that the product does not contain animal sourced ingredients/enzymes etc, hence marking is Halal Suitable.
We still need to see if such a product also does not have insects or any other problematic ingredients like wine.
Wallahu A’lam
And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best
Mufti Faisal al-Mahmudi