MAJCAFE

Aishah Bujang
Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA

Fadilah Abd Rahman
Academy of Contemporary Islamic Studies, Universiti Teknologi MARA

Sharifah Rohaiza Syed Omar
NGO Friends till Jannah Shah Alam

---

Abstract

In this day and age, whether it is by choice or force, technology has dominated the food industry. Nanotechnology has already made its mark in food processing, entering the food chain as food ingredients as well as in food packaging. Various nanomaterials such as nanopolymers, nanocomposites, nanoemulsions and nanocarriers are involved at different levels in the food industry and have both positive and negative implications towards human health. Does the usage of nanotechnology affect the consumption of food by the Muslims? Halal and toyyib, these two words are commanded by Allah SWT in Surah Al-Baqarah (verse 168), as reference to the choice of food we should consume. Halalan-tayyiban is more than just compliance to the fundamentals of Syariah. It includes the requirement of the food to be good, pure and wholesome. The aim of this paper is to review the various nanotechnology applications in the food industry and relate it to the requirements of food that can be considered as halal and tayyib. As Malaysia is already seen as the benchmark of halal certification and in the direction of becoming the global halal hub, it is hoped that the information from this paper will provide insights as to guide the Islamic authorities and manufacturers in making good judgments on the use of nanotechnology in food products for the betterment of the ummah.

Keywords: Halalan-Toyyiban, Food safety, Health risk, Nanomaterials, Nanotechnology, Toxicity