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Probiotic drinks

QUESTION

My question is about the bacteria Lactobacillus casei, found in Actimel and Yakult drinks.

ANSWER


[FULL QUESTION]

My question is about the bacteria Lactobacillus casei, found in Actimel and Yakult drinks.

My q relates to 2 points -

1) Is such bacteria Halaal to consume if it has been scientifically cultured in laboratories and thereafter inserted into products (thus not being a naturally occuring process).

My understanding is that the bacteria remains alive throughout the whole process, including when it eventually reaches the gut, where it can live for up to 10 days.

2) I have come accross unreliable info that Lactobacillus casei may be extracted from human/animal sources.

What is the Fiqh related to such and I was hoping you could contact Yakult and Actimel.

Shukran wa JazaakAllaahu Khayran. Was-Salaamu 'alaykum.

الجواب حامداً و مصلياً


In principle, to use bacteria in the products mentioned is permitted. The basis for this is that bacteria is a type of organism which is naturally found in many common foods and is consumed and regarded as halal, for example yoghurt. In this regard, Lactobacillus acidophilus is the type of bacteria found in natural yoghurt (source: Encyclopaedia of Natural Medicine T. Murray et al, 1991, page 186).

Thus, if the said drinks do not contain any other impermissible ingredients, they will not be prohibited merely due to containing bacteria per se. However, if the said products do contain any impermissible ingredients such as animal fats etc, they will accordingly, not be considered permissible.

Based on the above points, one may clarify the ingredients of the said drinks from the respective manufacturers.

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