The word “spirit” on the packaging of a halal-certified Korean sauce has raised significant questions among consumers. How could a term synonymous with liquor appear on a product guaranteed to be halal? Is there something hidden, or is it simply a translation misunderstanding? Here are the facts behind the controversy.
Recently, a discussion has arisen among consumers regarding a Korean sauce product that has been certified halal. This is because the word “spirit” is printed on the product’s packaging.
Generally, the term “spirit” is commonly understood to refer to distilled alcohol, such as liquor. In various languages and cultures, this word is often used to refer to high-strength alcoholic beverages, such as whiskey, rum, vodka, gin, or brandy, which are known in English as “spirits.” Because of its strong association with liquor, this term evokes a negative impression when appearing on food products claiming to be halal.
The word “spirit” itself comes from the Latin word “spiritus,” meaning breath or essence. It was later used to refer to the distilled liquid because it was considered the “essence” of fermented ingredients. In the general public, when they hear the word “spirit,” they imagine an intoxicating alcoholic beverage, not an ethanol solvent that can be used in food processing.
This naturally raises questions: why does the word “spirit” appear on a product that is guaranteed halal? Are its contents safe and compliant with Islamic law?
This confusion stems from the translation of the original Korean term. The product packaging displays the word “주정 (jujeong),” which is derived from two elements: “주,” meaning alcohol, and “정,” meaning essence or pure. Technically translated, “주정” refers to the ethanol solvent used in food processing, not liquor.
In the context of the Korean food industry, the term “spirit” is more commonly used than “ethanol.” This is because “ethanol” is most widely used for industrial purposes, while in food, the term “spirit” is chosen for greater consumer familiarity. Conversely, the Korean term for alcoholic beverages, such as soju, is spelt differently, “소주 등 음료,” which refers explicitly to liquor.
Therefore, the word “spirit” printed on the packaging does not refer to liquor, but rather to the ethanol solvent used for food processing purposes. However, is this type of ethanol permitted in halal products?
According to the Indonesian Council of Ulama (MUI) Fatwa Number 10 of 2018 concerning Food and Beverage Products Containing Alcohol or Ethanol, the use of ethanol is permitted as long as it meets two main requirements: it is not derived from haram ingredients or alcoholic beverages (khamar), and it is not medically harmful.
In the case of this Korean sauce product, the ethanol used is not derived from alcoholic beverages. Therefore, the use of ethanol in this product is deemed to comply with applicable halal regulations.
Responding to this phenomenon, Muti Arintawati, President Director of the Halal Inspection Body (LPH) LPPOM, explained. “The term ‘spirit’ in this context cannot be directly interpreted as alcoholic beverages. After our investigation, we discovered that technically the term was chosen as a translation of the word ‘jujeong,’ which refers to ethanol for food,” she emphasised.
Muti continued, explaining that as long as the ethanol is not derived from alcohol and does not contain any haram substances in its processing, its use is permitted according to MUI Fatwa Number 10 of 2018. This means that the product remains halal because the process and raw materials comply with the requirements.
The phenomenon of the word “spirit” in halal products demonstrates the importance of understanding the context of language and regulations. Cultural differences and translation often lead to misperceptions, especially for consumers unfamiliar with technical terms. In this case, the most important thing is to ensure that the ingredients and production process comply with halal standards.
Ethanol used in food products, as long as it is not derived from alcoholic beverages and is not hazardous, is considered halal and safe for consumption. Therefore, the public is urged not to rush to conclusions based solely on the terminology used, but to also examine the clarity of the halal inspection process and the official information provided. (YN)
