Recently, the world’s cyberspace including Indonesia, has gone viral discussing one of the drinks sold by a trader in Manila, Philippines. Magic water has a clear appearance like water, but it tastes fresher and sweeter. Magic Water went viral because a foreign tourist uploaded the video to cyberspace. How halal is it?Â
Magic water, known locally as palamig, is a typical Filipino drink. Although it has a magic name, this drink has no magical elements and is widely sold by street vendors using carts. This drink is made from water with clear gelatin and banana flavoring. The three ingredients are mixed in a pan and added ice cubes.
In local Philippine culture, for over 40 years, magic water drinks have usually been drunk during the day or in summer. This drink provides its sensation, tastes sweet, and has a chewy texture similar to jelly. This uniqueness is what attracts residents and foreign tourists who visit Manila.
What is the law on consuming magic water?
Seeing food or beverage products whose origins are still unclear, as devout Muslims, of course, we need to be vigilant and careful about their halal status. The process of making magic water does not violate Islamic law, but it is different if we look at the ingredients, namely gelatin and flavoring.
According to the Manager of Halal Auditor Management LPPOM, Ade Suherman, S.Si., in the manufacturing process, gelatin comes from derivatives of slaughtered animals, namely bones or skin. The raw materials for making gelatin must be ensured to go from halal animals that are slaughtered according to Islamic law.
In addition, there is the addition of flavors that contain fat derivatives, both from animals and plants. If from animals, then it must be ensured to come from halal animals that are slaughtered according to Islamic law.
“Another thing that also needs to be criticized is the production facilities and pots used to produce magic water drinks must be ensured to be free from haram, unclean and other dirty materials,” said Ade.
He explained that apart from production facilities and critical materials, magic water widely sold on the roadside must also meet the thayyib aspect, namely something good and safe for consumption (food safety).
Generally, related to thayyib that needs to be considered is being free from dangerous microbial contamination in food due to low hygiene and sanitation conditions. This is due to dirty environmental conditions, such as production locations on the side of the road or market. In addition, there is the potential for using Food Additives (BTP), such as flavors, exceeding the maximum permitted limit.
Based on Government Regulation (PP) No. 42 of 2024, food and beverages are products in the mandatory halal certification category. This obligation includes raw materials, additives, and auxiliary materials in the food and beverage industry, including related services.
LPPOM always opens a discussion space for every business actor whose products have not been halal certified through the Customer Care service at Call Center 14056 or WhatsApp 0811-1148-696. In addition, business actors can also learn more about the flow and process of halal certification by attending the Introduction to Halal Certification (PSH) class, which is held routinely every week https://halalmui.org/pengenalan-sertifikasi-halal/.
LPPOM also has an ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited halal and vegan testing laboratory. Further information regarding the LPPOM MUI Laboratory testing service can be accessed at https://e-halallab.com/.
For LPPOM friends who have beverage products and do not yet have halal certification, let’s immediately register and choose LPH LPPOM to carry out halal inspections to meet the regulations set by the Government. You can also check the list of slaughtered products that have been halal certified through the website www.halalmui.org, the Halal MUI application, which can be downloaded on the Playstore, and the BPJPH website. (ZUL)
