Are you a fan of beef jerky and wondering if Jack Link’s products are halal?
The answer is not as straightforward as you might think.
While some sources claim that all Jack Link’s retail products in certain markets are halal certified, others suggest that this is no longer the case due to changes in production.
Additionally, there are differences in halal certification depending on the country where the product is sold.
In this article, we’ll explore the question of whether Jack Link’s beef jerky is halal and provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision about whether or not to consume their products.
Is Jack Link’s Beef Jerky Halal?
The answer to whether Jack Link’s beef jerky is halal is not a simple one. It depends on where the product is sold and when it was produced.
According to some sources, all Jack Link’s retail products in the New Zealand and Australian markets were 100% halal processed and certified. However, due to changes in production, the company can no longer guarantee a halal certified product. New retail products will no longer have the halal certification on their packaging, but some products produced before this change may still be on shelves for a short time.
On the other hand, Jack Link’s beef jerky sold in Muslim countries will be halal. It’s important to always check the packaging for the halal logo to ensure that the product is certified as halal.
It’s worth noting that Jack Link’s Traditional Biltong is not a halal certified product.
According to eHalal, Jack Link’s Meat Snacks Beef Jerky Original is halal and is manufactured and imported from Germany. It has the eHalal Food Categories of Halal Meat, Meat Driedes, Meat with Beef Driede.
What Is Halal Certification?
Halal certification is a process that ensures that a product is permissible under Islamic law. It involves the inspection of the entire production process, from the sourcing of ingredients to the manufacturing and packaging of the final product. The certification process is carried out by an independent halal certification body, which verifies that the product meets all the necessary requirements according to Islamic principles.
Halal certification is important for Muslim consumers who follow strict dietary laws and want to ensure that the products they consume are halal. It also provides assurance to non-Muslim consumers who may be interested in halal products for health or ethical reasons.
In order for a product to be certified as halal, it must meet several criteria. The animal from which the meat is sourced must be slaughtered in accordance with Islamic law, which involves using a sharp knife to sever the jugular vein and carotid artery while reciting a prayer. The animal must also be healthy and free from any diseases or defects.
Additionally, any ingredients used in the product must also be halal. This includes additives, flavorings, and processing aids. The manufacturing process must also comply with halal principles, including the use of dedicated equipment and facilities to avoid cross-contamination with non-halal products.
Jack Link’s Beef Jerky: A Brief Overview
Jack Link’s Beef Jerky has a rich family history that dates back to the founder’s great-grandfather, who immigrated to the US from Germany and started selling meats as a butcher. The Link family has been in the meat business for generations, and the founder of Jack Link’s, John Jack Link, grew up raising cattle and learning how to make sausage under a German sausage maker. The company is known for its eponymous brand of beef jerky, which is made using old-world style spices passed down from John Jack Link’s great-grandfather. In addition to traditional beef jerky, Jack Link’s also produces bacon jerky made with salt-and-sugar cured pork meat. The company acquired Unilever’s meat snack division in 2014 to expand its consumer base into Europe, which included the BiFi brand sold across Europe and Peperami sold in the UK and Ireland. Jack Link’s also acquired the Golden Island brand from Tyson Foods in 2019. While some Jack Link’s retail products in certain markets may have been halal certified in the past, due to changes in production, the company can no longer guarantee a halal certified product. It’s important to always check the packaging for the halal logo to ensure that the product is certified as halal.
The Halal Certification Of Jack Link’s Beef Jerky
The halal certification of Jack Link’s beef jerky varies depending on the location of the product and the time it was produced. In Europe, all Jack Link’s beef jerky products are made entirely in accordance with halal rules and are certified by FAMBRAS in Brazil. The certification logo is displayed on the back of each packet, indicating that the production facilities, processes, and product contents meet all requirements of Islamic religious regulations.
However, in North America (USA and Canada), Jack Link’s beef jerky is not halal certified. The company has stated that halal and kosher certification is product/ingredient-specific and can vary depending on the location of the product/ingredient source. For products sold in the United States and Canada, the products are not certified halal or kosher.
It’s important to note that many commercial beef jerky products are made from beef that is not halal-approved. This can include beef from animals that were not slaughtered in the dhabihah method or beef from animals that are not considered halal. However, there are halal beef jerky options available. Some companies specifically market their beef jerky as halal and use only halal-approved beef and ingredients. Halal beef jerky can also be found in some supermarkets.
Changes In Production And Halal Certification
Jack Link’s beef jerky has undergone changes in production that have affected its halal certification. While the company used to guarantee a halal certified product in the New Zealand and Australian markets, this is no longer the case due to changes in production. The company has removed the halal certification from the packaging of new retail products, and it’s important to note that some products produced before this change may still be on shelves for a short time.
It’s unclear what exactly caused the changes in production that led to the removal of halal certification. However, it’s important for consumers to be aware of these changes and to check the packaging for the halal logo before purchasing.
Despite this change, Jack Link’s beef jerky sold in Muslim countries will still be halal certified. The certification logo will be displayed on the back of each packet, indicating that the products meet all requirements of Islamic religious regulations.
It’s important for consumers to be aware of these changes in production and halal certification when purchasing Jack Link’s beef jerky. While some products may still be halal certified, others are not guaranteed to be. It’s always best to check the packaging for the halal logo and to verify with the company if there are any doubts about the product’s halal status.
Halal Certification Requirements By Country
Halal certification requirements vary by country, so it’s important to check the packaging for the appropriate certification logo. In Europe, all Jack Link’s beef jerky products are made in accordance with halal rules and are certified by FAMBRAS in Brazil. The certification ensures that the production facilities, processes, and product contents meet all requirements of Islamic religious regulations.
In North America (USA and Canada), Jack Link’s beef jerky is not halal certified. However, some companies specifically market their beef jerky as halal and use only halal-approved beef and ingredients. You can also find halal beef jerky in some supermarkets.
It’s important to note that halal certification is product/ingredient-specific and can vary depending on the location of the product/ingredient source. Therefore, it’s crucial to check the packaging for the appropriate certification logo in each country where the product is sold.
Other Considerations For Halal Consumers
For halal consumers, it’s important to consider the source of the beef used in beef jerky. Beef jerky is only considered halal if the beef used to make it was slaughtered in accordance with Islamic law. This means that the animal must be slaughtered by a Muslim, who must recite the name of Allah and use a sharp knife to cut the animal’s throat, ensuring that the spinal cord is not severed.
It’s also important to note that some commercial beef jerky products are made from beef that is not halal-approved. This can include beef from animals that were not slaughtered in the dhabihah method, or beef from animals that are not considered halal.
However, there are halal beef jerky options available. Some companies specifically market their beef jerky as halal and use only halal-approved beef and ingredients. Consumers should look for the halal logo on the packaging to ensure that the product is certified as halal.
For those who are unsure about the halal status of a particular brand of beef jerky, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and choose a product that is certified as halal. Additionally, consumers can research the brand or contact the manufacturer directly to inquire about their halal certification status.
