Aged Hard Cheese

Traditionally made with animal rennet; halal status depends on the rennet source.

Why?

Many aged hard cheeses — including traditional Parmesan, Pecorino, and some cheddars — are made using animal rennet extracted from the stomach lining of young calves, which is halal only if from a halal-slaughtered animal. Cheeses labeled 'microbial rennet,' 'vegetarian rennet,' or halal-certified avoid this issue entirely.

References

• General consensus of major halal certification bodies (e.g. IFANCA, JAKIM, HFA)

Last reviewed: 2026-09-08

This is informational guidance only, not a certified halal determination. Always consult an official halal certification body for certainty.