Differences Between Kosher and Halal

Kosher Under Judaism

• Shellfish, rabbit, game birds, ducks, and wild geese are not kosher.
• Wine is considered kosher. For this reason, every kosher-symbol food may not be halal.
• Gelatin is considered kosher regardless of its origin.
• Enzymes and rennets from all animals, regardless of origin, are considered secretions (pirsah b'almah) and are kosher. Therefore all cheeses are also kosher.
• In Jewish practice, meat and dairy are not consumed together. The dishes and equipment used to prepare them are kept separate and not mixed.

Halal Under Islam

Shellfish, rabbit, game birds, ducks, and wild geese are halal under Islam. Intoxicating liquor, wine, and other intoxicating beverages, alcohol, and intoxicants are haram under Islam. Gelatin derived from animals such as pigs is haram; for this reason, kosher-labelled marshmallow or yoghurt may not be halal. Muslim consumers must check the origin of rennet or enzymes: if they are derived from pigs or from animals not slaughtered by the Islamic method, they are haram. Islam does not draw the meat and dairy separation that Jewish practice does.