Cute snacks can be tempting, but not all of them can be halal certified. It is not only the ingredients that matter the shape also becomes a consideration, especially when it resembles pigs and dogs. Why is that? Here is the explanation.
After Eid al-Fitr, the snack market is once again filled with various unique and adorable creations ranging from cartoon characters to different animal shapes. However, amid this trend, a frequently asked question arises: what about snacks shaped like pigs or dogs? Even if they do not contain non-halal ingredients, such products cannot be halal certified.
So far, many people understand halal merely in terms of raw materials. As long as a product does not contain pork or other prohibited and impure substances, it is considered safe for consumption. In fact, the criteria of the Halal Product Assurance System (SJPH) cover broader aspects.
This refers to the Fatwa of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) Number 44 of 2020 concerning the Use of Names, Shapes, and Packaging of Products That Cannot Be Halal Certified. One of its provisions states that products shaped like pigs and dogs, in any design, cannot obtain halal certification. This means that even if the ingredients used are halal, the visual form remains an important consideration.
This provision aligns with the concept of thayyib, which emphasizes that food must not only be halal but also wholesome in all aspects—including its values and representation. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “O mankind! Indeed, Allah is thayyib (good) and accepts only that which is thayyib (good and lawful)…” (Narrated by Muslim).
In addition, Islam teaches caution in avoiding matters that are syubhat (doubtful). The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “What is halal is clear and what is haram is clear, and between them are doubtful matters which many people do not know. Whoever avoids doubtful matters has protected his religion and honor.” (Narrated by al-Bukhari).
In this context, pig-shaped products—derived from an animal that is clearly prohibited and considered severely impure—and dog-shaped products—also regarded as prohibited and impure—are viewed as inconsistent with these principles. Even though they are not consumed as the actual animals, their visual representation may create negative perceptions and raise doubts. Therefore, preventive measures are applied from the outset through the regulation of product shapes.
Responding to this issue, the Vice President Corporate Secretary of LPPOM, Raafqi Ranasasmita, M.Biomed., stated that within the Halal Product Assurance System (SJPH), the assessed aspects are not limited to ingredients and production processes, but also include the name, shape, and packaging of products.
“This provision aims to uphold the halal principle, which must not only be legally compliant but also thayyib in value. Products resembling pigs and dogs cannot be halal certified as they are considered not to meet these principles,” he explained.
This statement confirms that the concept of halal is comprehensive. It is not only about what is consumed, but also how a product is represented. Forms that are considered inconsistent with Islamic values remain an important concern in the certification process.
Furthermore, the Halal Inspection Body (LPH) LPPOM reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining the integrity of the halal examination process in a comprehensive and consistent manner. Evaluation is conducted not only on ingredients and processes, but also on the product’s name, shape, and packaging, to ensure compliance with halal and thayyib principles.
This also serves as an effort to provide assurance for Muslim consumers while strengthening public trust in halal certification. On the other hand, business actors are encouraged to be more careful in innovating.
“For business actors, this is an important note in innovation. Creativity in developing products is certainly necessary to attract market interest, but it must still consider existing limitations, especially when targeting Muslim consumers,” Raafqi emphasized.
Ultimately, the phenomenon of pig- and dog-shaped snacks highlights that halal is not merely about ingredients, but a comprehensive value system. From the production process to the final appearance, every aspect plays an essential role in ensuring that a product fully meets halal criteria. (YN)
