Most of the imported packed items being sold in the country contain Haram ingredients. This horrific revelation was made during the National Assembly committee on Monday, when a senior government presented a list of items that were believed to have Haram ingredients. The ministry however had no mandate to stop the sale of such items. These items are believed to contain ingredients such as white and red wine, gelatin and E120 (animal based food colour).
Some of the chicken items have been also been deemed Haram on suspicion of their slaughtering process, as stunning is prohibited in Islam. Some products have been placed in the Haram/Halal status due to lack of proper sources to determine its ingredients. The ministry intended to create the Pakistan Halal authority through an act of parliament to encourage the imports and export of Halal items.[junkie-alert style=”white”] What is more worrying is the refusal of the ministry officials in taking responsibility about the sale of the Haram imported foot items[/junkie-alert]
According to the 18th constitution amendment, it was made the responsibility of the provincial government to create a system to check the sale of Haram products. But unfortunately, the ministry officials refused to take the responsibility for the sale of the Haram imported foodstuff. Another meeting has been called to discuss the matter.
About 19 food items have been deemed as Haram:
- Two brands of Chicken Tonight (imported from Holland).
- Bubblicious (UK)
- Chupa Bubble (Holland).
- Pascual Yogikids (Spain).
- Three brands of Skittle Fruit (UK).
- Picnic Chicken (USA).
- Slima Soup (UK).
- Knorr Chicken Soup (France).
- Cup A Soup (UK).
- Tulip Chicken (Denmark).
- Rice Chicken Broccoli (USA).
- Pasta Chicken Broccoli (USA).
- Pasta Creamy Chicken (US).
- Heinz Dinner Chicken (England).
- Jell-O (US).
- Pop Tarts (USA)
It is pertinent to mention that last year Sar-e-Aam team on ARY channel revealed 23 forbidden items that were listed by the Ministry of Science and Technology as Haraam, but this list was not intended to be revealed by the officials.