In a recent video that went viral on social media, a passenger was seen questioning railway staff about the serving of halal-certified tea during the auspicious month of Sawan. The passenger demanded an explanation about what a halal certificate meant and why it was necessary for a tea premix. The railway staff calmly clarified that the tea was, in any case, 100% vegetarian and explained that halal certification primarily pertained to the method of slaughtering animals for meat and had no relevance to vegetarian products like tea.
The video sparked a debate, with some users praising the railway official’s composure while explaining the situation. Indian Railways issued a clarification in response to the controversy, ensuring passengers that all products used in tea served on trains were purely vegetarian and complied with international standards. The statement emphasized that the halal certification was just one of several certifications, including FSSAI, ISO, GMP, and FDA, held by the export-quality tea.
The Ministry of Railways further clarified that the brand of premix tea in question possessed the mandatory FSSAI certification and was marked with a “Green Dot” indication to signify its vegetarian composition. The railways assured passengers that all ingredients used in the tea and coffee premixes were natural and plant-based, with lab reports supporting their vegetarian composition. The tea was also exported to countries that required such certifications, which explained the presence of halal certification.
Halal certification, according to Arabic tradition, denotes food prepared in accordance with Islamic law, particularly the method of animal slaughter. It is essential to note that the tea in question was entirely plant-based and had no connection to meat or non-vegetarian ingredients. The controversy around halal certification extends beyond this incident, as evident from a petition filed in the Supreme Court in 2022 seeking a complete ban on such certifications. The petitioner argued that the practice infringed on the fundamental rights of the majority Hindu population.
The halal certification was initially introduced in 1974 for meat and later extended to include other food items, cosmetics, medicines, and more. In conclusion, the Indian Railways has taken measures to address the concerns raised by passengers over the halal-certified tea issue. The railways’ assurance of the tea’s vegetarian nature, compliance with international standards, and multiple certifications seeks to put to rest any misgivings regarding the product. The incident serves as a reminder to be mindful of cultural and religious sensitivities, even in seemingly mundane matters like food and beverage choices.