20 - Protein-based techniques for halal authentication

Abstract

Food authentication has become a common concerning issue in food markets as, nowadays, many consumers have to be assured religious authentication in their food choices and also other protection against fraudulent practices in food industries. Muslim community usually is concerned about the halal foodstuffs; food or drink that is permitted for consumption must be confirmed by the Islamic law as revealed in the Quran or the tradition of Prophet Muhammad (hadith). Both Muslim and non-Muslim consumers for halal food are being increased day by day and it has become a powerful market force. At present, halal industry is the fastest growing consumer platforms in the world, estimated to be worth over one trillion dollars. Though halal products are becoming more popular, incorrect certification of halal brand on food products has become a common scenario in food markets. Due to this concern, a lot of research on halal protein-based detection methods has arisen. These detection methods, however, can be used in detection of other forbidden food in other religions too, such as pork that is prohibited in Kosher, or beef that is prohibited in Hinduism or any meats that should not be contained in Vegan diets. The development of sensitive, easy-to-use, and reliable scientific method is a crying need for halal food screening. Researches and innovation may help us to confirm an authentic and consumer reliable food market. Nowadays, some methodologies focusing on molecular biology techniques are being used in different species determinations that are mainly based on the characteristics of DNA or proteins. Although DNA is generally considered to be most appropriate for animal species detection, it still presents numerous drawbacks. Proteins or peptides-based detection systems for food authentication, for example, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, aptamers, Mass Spectrometry, electric nose chromatography, and electrophoresis have been emerged as reliable and efficient screening methods to ensure that food production is aligned with the halal principles.