Frequently Asked Questions

What is Halal?

Halal is an Arabic term which means permissible. Anything a Muslim is allowed to conduct or consume is known as Halal. Halal food requires a specific process to be carried out and must be free from Haram (not permissible) ingredients. This process is conducted following specific guidelines to ensure the product is healthy and safe for consumption.

You may wonder why a Halal company like Al Safa carries foods like Halal Cheese Pizza and Halal Crispy Rice; such products produced by non-Halal companies often contain gelatin or rennet. Both gelatin and rennet are haram ingredients. All meat and non-meat Al Safa products are made with 100% halal ingredients.

Why do you choose to hand slaughter your meat products?

We believe it is best to follow the most irrefutable form of the Halal process that is accepted by all Muslims. For more information, visit our Halal by Hand page.

What is "Halal"?

Halal is an Arabic term which means permissible. Anything a Muslim is allowed to conduct or consume is known as Halal. Halal food requires a specific process to be carried out and must be free from Haram (not permissible) ingredients. This process is conducted following specific guidelines to ensure the product is healthy and safe for consumption.

You may wonder why a Halal company like Al Safa carries foods like Halal Cheese Pizza and Halal Crispy Rice; such products produced by non-Halal companies often contain gelatin or rennet. Both gelatin and rennet are haram ingredients. All meat and non-meat Al Safa products are made with 100% halal ingredients.

 

What are the basic requirements for Halal slaughtering and what is your process?

In order for the slaughtering process to be Halal, a Muslim slaughterer verbally says the Tasmiyah prior to slaughtering the animal. The Tasmiyah is a blessing consisting of the words بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم (Bimillah; Allahu Akbar) or in English, In the name of Allah; Allah is the greatest. Then, the blood must be drained to eliminate consumption of blood borne germs and diseases.

All animals are in good health prior to Al Safa’s slaughtering process. The Tasmiyah is said verbally by a highly trained Muslim blesser at the time of the slaughter. After the slaughter, the blood is drained. To ensure correct practices, Al Safa is regularly audited by IFANCA. All of our sources are federally Inspected and HACCP registered. Halal meat is tracked from start to finish to ensure quality assurance and to avoid any contamination. At the end of the process, our quality products are Halal, safe, and ready for your table!

Why do you choose to hand slaughter your meat products?

We believe it is best to follow the most irrefutable form of the Halal process that is accepted by all Muslims. For more information, visit our Halal by Hand page.

Are all Al Safa ingredients Halal?

Yes. All Al Safa meat and non-meat products are only made with halal ingredients.

Who is your Halal Certifier?

Al Safa products are certified by IFANCC (Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of Canada) and IFANCA (Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America). Both councils are globally recognized as members of the World Halal Food Council.

What food safety and quality standards does Al Safa follow?

All Al Safa manufacturing facilities are federally registered with the CFIA (Canadian Food Inspection Agency) or the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture). They follow strict HACCP guidelines which ensure our products’ quality and taste. In addition, Al Safa facilities receive SQF and BRC certifications.

Is Al Safa Muslim-owned?

Yes. As Muslims, we understand the struggle of finding a variety of Halal foods while managing a busy lifestyle, that’s why we are committed to providing you with top quality Halal foods made with authentic recipes.

What foods does Al Safa offer?

We are excited to announce that we have expanded our product offerings. You can now find Al Safa products in the following categories: Ready to Eat, Ready to Cook, Ethnic, Deli, Pizza, and more. Keep visiting our website for information on new products!

Where can I find Al Safa products?

Al Safa products are readily available in Canada and the United States. They can be found in all major supermarket chains in Canada including No Frills, Food Basics, FreshCo., Wal-mart, Metro, Loblaws, The Real Canadian Superstore, Adonis as well as Ethnic Halal grocery stores near you.

In the USA, Al Safa products can be found in select Shoprite, HEB, Kroger, Jetro Cash & Carry stores, Fiesta, Patel Brothers, as well as your local Ethnic Halal grocery stores. Use our store locator to find Al Safa products near you!

Where do you get your meat?

Al Safa meat comes from IFANCA and HACCP approved, hand slaughter sources.

Where are your products made?

Most of our products are made in Canada and the US. Some products are internationally imported like our Flat Breads.

What are some safe handling precautions for your products?

Wash hands after touching raw meat. For products that require cooking, cook thoroughly to an internal temperature of 74° C (165° F). Keep frozen products frozen (-18° C / 0° F). Do not refreeze if thawed.

For more information, please refer to the safe handling precautions provided on each product’s packaging.

I have a retail / distribution business and would like to sell your products, how do we apply?

Please fill out the short form provided on our Contact page.

How can I make an inquiry?

You can make an inquiry by emailing us at [email protected].

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