2. PROPOSED GUIDELINES TO ESTABLISH WORLD HALAL STANDARDS I . Background The word "Halal" means lawful or permissible and Haram means prohibited or un fit for Muslim consumption in the Arabic language and according to the Islamic Sharia (Law). Foods are classified as Halal for Muslim consumption if they do not contain pork or pork ingredients or alcohol, and the meats are labeled Halal if the animals were slaughtered in accordance with Islamic guidelines. As awareness amongst Muslim consumers around the World increases, demand grows for authentic Halal foods. Besides meat, several other issues concerning food have come to the surface. Food ingredients like flavours, oils, enzymes in cheese, and a variety of other ingredients have further complicated the picture. Alcohol and pork derivatives could be embedded in all kind of products that need to be identified and avoided. This document is an attempt to standardize the Halal procedures by members of the World Halal Council for the purpose of adopting and promoting these Halal Standards among Muslims around the World.