Can Alcohol Be Used in Food to Inhibit the Growth of Microorganisms and Preservation?
Hanafi Fiqh
Answered by Mawlana Ilyas Patel
Question
I’m considering starting a food business, and they usually use alcohol to inhibit the growth of microorganisms and act as a preservative rather than for its intoxicating effects. The alcohol content in foods preserved with alcohol is usually minimal and is not intended to cause intoxication. Is it halal to use it in this manner?
Answer
It will be permissible to use for such purpose if the alcohol is non-wine, i.e., not made from dates or grapes.
Many drinks, pharmaceuticals, and food items in wide use contain alcohol, but the purpose of consuming them is not intoxication. Moreover, there is no resemblance with the corrupt in using them. Furthermore, because of the widespread use of such products, there is hardship and difficulty in avoiding them. When there is widespread hardship on a particular matter, it is permissible to adopt a view as stated by the school’s scholars.
[Taqi Usmani, Takmila al-Fath al-Mulhim; Fiqh al-Buyu’]
- Alcohol Doesn’t Really “Cook Out” of Food in Most Cases (todayifoundout.com)
- Alcoholic Content in Soft Drinks – SeekersGuidance
[Mawlana]Ilyas Patel
