Are you a fan of Filipino cuisine? If so, you may have come across Mang Tomas sauce, a popular condiment used in many dishes.
But if you follow a halal diet, you may be wondering if this sauce is safe for you to consume.
In this article, we will explore the origins of Mang Tomas sauce, its ingredients, and whether or not it is halal.
So sit back, relax, and let’s dive into the world of Mang Tomas sauce.
Is Mang Tomas Sauce Halal?
Before we answer this question, let’s first define what halal means. Halal is an Arabic term that refers to anything that is permissible according to Islamic law. This includes food and drink, as well as other aspects of life.
Now, let’s take a closer look at Mang Tomas sauce. This condiment is a popular Filipino sauce that is used in many dishes, particularly with lechon (roast pork). It was developed in the late 1980s by a Filipino entrepreneur and was later acquired by a food company.
Mang Tomas sauce is made with vinegar, salt, dried tomatoes, and other ingredients. Traditionally, it also contained ground liver, which is not halal. However, the company has since removed liver from the ingredients list in their internationally available products.
So, is Mang Tomas sauce halal? The answer is yes, as long as it does not contain any non-halal ingredients such as pork or alcohol. The company also produces a halal version of their lechon sauce, which is exported to the United States and Middle East.
What Is Mang Tomas Sauce?
Mang Tomas sauce is a condiment brand that originated in the Philippines. Its core product is lechon sauce, which is a popular sauce used in many Filipino dishes, particularly with roast pork. The sauce was developed by a Filipino entrepreneur in the late 1980s and was later acquired by a food company.
The ingredients of Mang Tomas sauce include vinegar, salt, dried tomatoes, and other spices. Traditionally, it also contained ground liver, but this ingredient has since been removed from the label of their internationally available products. The company produces different variations of the sauce, including a hot and spicy version.
Mang Tomas All Purpose Sauce is a recent addition to their product line. This sauce is specially formulated to enhance the flavor of roast pig or chicken. It is made with a unique blend of spices that create a balance of savory, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors.
The Ingredients Of Mang Tomas Sauce
The ingredients of Mang Tomas sauce vary depending on the specific product. However, the main ingredients include water, cane sugar, bread crumbs (made from wheat flour, sugar, and palm oil), cane vinegar, salt, hydrolyzed plant protein (usually soy protein), onions, garlic, and black pepper. The sauce may also contain modified starch as a thickening agent, spices, palm olein, sodium benzoate as a preservative, aspartame as a sweetener, and caramel for color.
It is important to note that while liver used to be a listed ingredient in some Mang Tomas products, it has since been removed from the label. As of 2022, all Mang Tomas variations contain pork liver as an ingredient.
For those who follow a halal diet, it is important to ensure that the specific product does not contain any non-halal ingredients such as pork or alcohol. The company does produce a halal version of their lechon sauce for export to certain markets.
Understanding Halal Certification
Halal certification is a process that ensures that products and services adhere to Islamic law and are suitable for consumption by Muslims. The certification process is closely monitored from start to finish to ensure that there is no chance for discrepancies. During the certification process, the quality and features of products must comply with the rules established by the Islamic Council.
While there are countless products that can be considered Halal, this certification is mainly directed towards meat, milk, canned food, and some additives. For meat products, Halal certifies that the animals were slaughtered in a single cut, thoroughly bled, and their meat has not been in contact with other meat or pork products or slaughtered in any other manner. Halal certified products are often marked with the Halal symbol or the letter “M.”
To obtain Halal Certification, a company must gather product information and supporting documentation, including ingredient details for their products. They must then submit a Halal Certification application and pay application fees. Inspectors will contact them to schedule an examination of their facilities. The company must ensure that their storage, preparation, packing, and finished goods in storage areas comply with Halal protocol.
Auditors will then examine their facilities and write a report along with suggestions/recommendations for their operations and facilities. The information will be studied by the Halal certification panel. If satisfied, an agreement will be formed. Upon signing the agreement and paying additional fees, a Halal certification will be awarded to qualifying products.
Is Mang Tomas Sauce Halal-Certified?
Yes, Nutri-Asia Inc., the company that produces Mang Tomas sauce, has halal-certified factories in the Philippines. Their factories in Marilao, Bulacan, Cabuyao, Laguna, Cebu, and Davao are certified by the Food and Drug Administration and have halal certifications. In fact, Nutri-Asia is the first and only branded condiments company in the Philippines that is FSSC-certified, signifying its compliance with legal, safe, and efficient systems.
Furthermore, some of the brands that Nutri-Asia produces and distributes, such as Datu Puti and Jufran, prominently display their halal certification on their packaging given the market demand for it. This ensures that Muslim consumers can confidently purchase and consume these products without violating their religious beliefs.
Alternatives To Mang Tomas Sauce For Halal Diets
For those who follow a halal diet, there are some alternatives to Mang Tomas sauce that can be used in dishes. One option is to use a homemade sauce made with halal ingredients such as vinegar, sugar, and spices. Another option is to use a commercially available halal sauce such as HP sauce or A1 steak sauce.
For those who want to stick with Filipino flavors, there are also some halal sauces available that can be used as a substitute for Mang Tomas sauce. One option is Mama Sita’s barbecue marinade, which is made with halal ingredients and has a similar sweet and tangy flavor. Another option is UFC banana ketchup, which is a popular condiment in the Philippines and is made with halal ingredients.
It’s important to always check the ingredients list and certification of any sauce or condiment before using it in a dish, especially for those who follow a halal diet. With some research and careful consideration, it’s possible to find delicious alternatives to Mang Tomas sauce that are suitable for halal diets.
Conclusion: Enjoying Filipino Cuisine Safely With Halal Ingredients
If you are a Muslim looking to enjoy Filipino cuisine, Mang Tomas sauce can be a safe and delicious addition to your meals. However, it is important to always check the ingredients list before consuming any food product. If you are unsure about the halal status of a particular product, you can always contact the manufacturer or consult with a trusted halal certification organization.
In addition to Mang Tomas sauce, there are many other Filipino dishes that can be made with halal ingredients. Some examples include adobo (a savory meat dish), sinigang (a sour soup), and lumpia (a type of spring roll). With a little bit of research and creativity, you can enjoy the flavors of Filipino cuisine while staying true to your halal dietary requirements.
