The Halaal Department has called on students nationwide to be cautious when consuming food, as not all products may adhere to Halaal standards. This advisory was shared by the Halaal Department of the Muslim Association of Malawi during an awareness session held with students at the Balaka Islamic Institute in Balaka.

The department raised concerns about the food industry, indicating that some companies may use non-Halaal ingredients in their offerings, often without public awareness. They specifically noted the presence of pork traces and other non-Halaal elements in various food products. The Department urged students to be vigilant regarding their food selections, stressing that this awareness is essential for protecting their Islamic beliefs and promoting good health.

Students were encouraged to look for the Halaal Department logo and certification to confirm the Halaal status of food items and to avoid consuming anything they are unsure about, recommending they contact the Halaal Department’s helpline for additional guidance.

The administrator of the Balaka Islamic Institute expressed appreciation to the Halaal Department for organizing this educational campaign, describing it as a valuable experience that will benefit the community both now and in the future.

This initiative in Balaka is part of a wider series of awareness campaigns conducted by the Halaal Department officials during its National Monitoring Exercise throughout the country, which has also included visits to institutions such as the Blantyre Islamic Mission, Mai Halima Girl’s Secondary School and Zomba Islamic High scho