JAKARTA – The presence of the word “spirit” on packaging of halal-certified Korean sauce products has sparked considerable confusion among consumers. Many are questioning how a term typically associated with alcoholic beverages could appear on products claiming halal certification. Experts have stepped forward to clarify this apparent contradiction.

The Source of Confusion

The term “spirit” commonly refers to distilled alcoholic beverages such as whiskey, vodka, gin, rum, and brandy in English-speaking contexts. This strong association with liquor naturally causes concern when consumers see it printed on food products bearing halal certification.

The word originates from the Latin “spiritus,” meaning breath or essence. It was historically applied to distilled liquids because they were considered the “essence” of fermented materials. For most people, “spirit” immediately conjures images of intoxicating alcoholic drinks rather than food-grade solvents.

Translation Issues Explained

The confusion stems from the translation of the Korean term “주정 (jujeong),” which combines two characters: “주” (alcohol) and “정” (essence or pure). In technical terms, “jujeong” refers to ethanol solvent used in food processing, not alcoholic beverages meant for drinking.

Within Korea’s food industry, the term “spirit” is more frequently used than “ethanol” because “ethanol” is primarily associated with industrial applications. The food sector prefers “spirit” as it is more familiar to consumers. Notably, the Korean term for alcoholic beverages like soju is written differently as “소주 등 음료,” which specifically denotes drinking alcohol.

Therefore, the “spirit” label on these products refers to food-grade ethanol solvent, not liquor.

Halal Compliance Verification

According to the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) Fatwa Number 10 of 2018 regarding Food and Beverage Products Containing Alcohol or Ethanol, ethanol usage is permissible under two conditions: it must not originate from forbidden ingredients or alcoholic beverages (khamar), and it must not be medically harmful.

In the case of these Korean sauce products, the ethanol employed does not derive from alcoholic beverages, making its use compliant with halal regulations.

Official Statement

Muti Arintawati, President Director of the Halal Inspection Body (LPH) LPPOM, addressed the issue directly. “The term ‘spirit’ in this context cannot be directly interpreted as alcoholic beverages. Following our investigation, we found that technically the term was selected as a translation of ‘jujeong,’ which refers to food-grade ethanol,” she clarified.

Muti emphasized that as long as the ethanol is not derived from alcohol and contains no prohibited substances in its processing, its use is permitted under MUI Fatwa Number 10 of 2018. This confirms that such products remain halal because both the process and raw materials meet the required standards.

Consumer Guidance

This situation highlights the critical importance of understanding linguistic context and regulatory frameworks. Cultural differences and translation choices often create misperceptions, particularly for consumers unfamiliar with technical terminology.

Ethanol utilized in food products is considered halal and safe for consumption provided it does not originate from alcoholic beverages and poses no health risks. Consumers are advised not to make hasty judgments based solely on terminology but to verify the halal inspection process and consult official information sources.

The key takeaway is that halal certification involves rigorous examination of ingredients and production methods, not just surface-level interpretation of product labels.

Original Article:

Halal MUI. (2025, October 8). Here’s Why The Word ‘Spirit’ Appears in Korean Halal Sauces. Retrieved from https://halalmui.org/en/heres-why-the-word-spirit-appears-in-korean-halal-sauces/