Cheese is made from milk, so it seems simple. The question comes from rennet – the enzyme that turns milk into curds – and other enzymes that may come from animals.
Types of rennet
- Animal rennet: traditionally taken from the stomachs of young calves. Some traditional European cheeses, such as Parmigiano-Reggiano and many Grana Padano, must be made with animal rennet.
- Microbial rennet: made by fungi or bacteria. Widely used in supermarket cheeses.
- Fermentation-produced chymosin (FPC): the same enzyme as calf rennet, made by microorganisms. Very common in the US and UK.
- Vegetable rennet: from plants such as thistle, used in some Spanish and Portuguese cheeses.
What scholars say
- Microbial, FPC and vegetable rennets are considered halal.
- Animal rennet from a halal-slaughtered calf is halal.
- Animal rennet from a calf not slaughtered Islamically is where scholars differ. Imam Abu Hanifa and many Hanafi scholars regarded rennet as pure even then, so the cheese is permissible. Many Shafi’i and Hanbali scholars regard it as impure, so the cheese should be avoided.
- Rennet from a pig is not halal by any view.
How to check a label
- “Suitable for vegetarians” or a “V” logo (common in the UK) usually means non-animal rennet – a good sign, though not a halal certificate.
- In the US, “enzymes” on the label can mean any type; check with the maker or look for halal or vegetarian certification.
- Watch for added ingredients: some cheeses are washed in wine or beer, and some cheese spreads or sauces contain gelatin or alcohol.
- Whey and whey protein come from cheese-making, so the same rennet question applies.
Find certified dairy and food brands in our halal food brands directory.
Frequently asked questions
Is mozzarella halal?
Most supermarket mozzarella uses microbial rennet, but check the label or look for a vegetarian symbol.
Is Parmesan halal?
Authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano uses animal rennet. Scholars differ; vegetarian “Italian hard cheese” alternatives avoid the issue.
Is pizza cheese halal?
It depends on the rennet and brand. Ask the restaurant or check certification.
Make halal-certified dairy? Add your free listing – list your brand free.
This article is general information, not medical or religious advice. Please speak to a qualified professional about your own situation, and to a qualified scholar about specific religious rulings.
Sources
- Hanafi position on rennet (infaha): al-Kasani, Bada’i al-Sana’i; summarised in contemporary fatwa literature.
- UK Food Standards Agency – food labelling guidance.
- Consorzio Parmigiano Reggiano – production specification (animal rennet).