I am writing this letter in response to the recent outcry over reports that the Tabasco and HP sauces allegedly contain 'pork DNA.' In this raging controversy one point that needs to be emphasised is that of the authenticity of the said test.

Neither Jakim nor the Department of Chemistry have ever said that their test is 100 percent accurate. They have also never disclosed the particulars of these 'tests' to be judged by independent scientists. In such a scenario one is not surprised that Jakim had to admit its mistake over the QBB Ghee controversy.

 

Instead of arbitrarily declaring certain products as 'haram' Jakim should undertake more rigorous analysis and only then announce the results to the public. It should also come out with the particulars so that their accuracy can be measured on its scientific merit. Simply relying on junk science won't do.                        

 

In short, everyone should be careful in declaring products as halal or haram. We should all heed to the Quranic verse 7:32: "Say: Who hath forbidden the beautiful (gifts) of Allah, which He hath produced for His servants, and the things, clean and pure, (which He hath provided) for sustenance? Say: They are, in the life of this world, for those who believe, (and) purely for them on the Day of Judgment. Thus do We explain the signs in detail for those who understand."