Muslims in Italy can now enjoy halal mozzarella after a famous cheese producer announced it won certification that their product is made within Islamic law. The La Baronia Company, based at Castel di Sasso near Caserta, has won certification that its mozzarella is halal, the company said. Zayd Ibn Thabit, the Islamic Culture Association and food-certification agency, recently gave the La Baronia the authorization. The new product will be alcohol free, as the company had used the substance to clean equipment and will be absolutely free from any other animals fats. “This initiative is a sign of the attention companies and public institutions are devoting to religious minorities,” said Abdallah Massimo Cozzolino, imam of the Naples Mosque and head of the Zayd Ibn Thabit Islamic Culture Center. “Finally it will be possible to find halal products on the supermarket shelves and this is a step forward for integration too,” he added. By declaring the product Halal, La Baronia is opening it doors to a potentially large market and experts expect more companies could be encouraged to follow in its steps. According to consumer surveys, the halal market is three times bigger than the organic food one. BM
