Religion and Foods, Requirements and Labeling

Despite today’s increasingly multicultural world, a person’s choice of which food to consume may remain strongly related to his or her cultural origin and religion. Food is an important part of religious laws and observations for many faiths. People may choose to eat or avoid certain foods based on their religious beliefs. Many religions have rules and requirements about which foods can or cannot be consumed and how and by whom these foods must be prepared. Labeling on food products provides religious devotees with information needed to purchase and consume sanctioned foods or to avoid those that do not meet religious food laws.

Consumers have come to expect extensive labeling on food products. Some information on a food label is legally required (e.g., list of ingredients ...