Immunoassays key to thorough Halal certification: Dr Jack Ofori
| Aziz Idris |
MUSLIMS, as per dietary laws enshrined in Islam, are forbidden to eat any food that is not Halal (Haram), and the widespread use of hidden blood-derived ingredients by their brand names is a potential concern to Halal food consumers.
In order to tackle such concerns, Dr Jack Appiah Ofori, a post-doctoral fellow at the Florida State University, USA, suggested rapid immunoassays, an effective analytical tool for regulatory and quality control process that have proven tone of the best solution in monitoring the presence of Haram ingredients.
Dr Jack Appiah Ofori during the interview. – AZIZ IDRIS |
He said this during the second day of the International Seminar on Halal Science and Innovative Product development held at the Grand Hall of the Empire Hotel & Country Club yesterday.
Among the concerns Dr Ofori raised was the use of blood-derived ingredients in the food industry.
He said that current Halal certification methods that are based solely on inspection may not adequately protect consumers.
According to Dr Ofori, the analytical method used utilises antibodies as reagents to detect specific target antigens, whereby the detection is mainly achieved by measuring enzyme activity (ELISA).
He emphasised on the detection of blood-derived food ingredients which are used widely in food formulations, a practise Muslim consumers may not be aware of.
