MUI Fatwa Chief Says Vulgar-Shaped Croissant Cannot Receive Halal Certification

The Indonesian Ulema Council’s (MUI) Fatwa Commission has stated that a croissant whose visual appearance resembles female pubic hair cannot obtain halal certification in Indonesia. The product recently went viral on social media, sparking controversy.

MUI Fatwa Commission Chairman Prof KH Asrorun Ni’am Sholeh explained that determining a product’s halal status is not solely based on the ingredients used, but must also meet ethical visual standards stipulated in official regulations. MUI has strictly regulated this in Fatwa MUI Number 44 of 2020 concerning the Use of Product Names, Shapes, and Packaging That Cannot Be Halal Certified.

Based on this fatwa, he confirmed that the viral croissant cannot be halal certified because it fails to meet certification requirements. “The croissant carries negative and vulgar connotations because its visual appearance resembles something erotic or pornographic. It also violates the principle of honour, as the adopted shape is considered to approach symbols of immorality or things deemed inappropriate by religious norms,” Ni’am said in a written message on Tuesday.

Ni’am reminded the public and business operators of a fundamental principle in Islamic food consumption. Food consumed by Muslims must not only be halal but also thayyib (wholesome). “And thayyib is not only viewed from its content and health aspects, but also from the product’s name, shape, and packaging,” he said.