A new method to identify the source of gelatin used for production of food stuff (like jelly beans which are presently imported) has been found, said Abdolazim Behfar, research deputy at National Iranian Halal Research Center. “With the help of the new DNA-based method, we can identify the animal from which the gelatin has been obtained. The exact origin of the gelatin also can be recognized, such as skin or bone,” IRNA quoted him as saying. The population of Iran is about 80 million, of which 99% are Muslims. Halal is often used in reference to foods and drinks that are permissible for Muslims to eat or drink under Islamic law. The most common example of non-halal (or haraam) food is pig meat and bone products.
