Halal / Kosher / Organic / Vegan : What can be objectively verified for a shilajit product—and what is just vague talk? This expert, long-form guide sorts through public labels , private certifications , marketing self-declarations , and real technical constraints (capsules, solvents, traceability), with supporting reference links .
Reading key : a credible label = organization + reference + certificate no./validity . Without these three elements, the label cannot be verified .
1) Framework & definitions: public label, private certification, self-declaration
Public label
Framed by a regulation (e.g. EU Bio ). Application controlled by bodies approved by the State.
Private certification
Proprietary reference (Halal, Kosher, Vegan) audited by a third-party organization. Credibility = transparency + recognition.
Self-declaration
Seller claims ( halal-friendly , vegan-like, etc.) without audit : to be avoided for an informed purchase.
2) Halal: verifiable requirements for a shilajit
A shilajit can be Halal if it respects Islamic law throughout the chain ( raw materials , processes , auxiliaries , capsules , cleaning , storage ).
2.1 References to know
2.2 Concrete points to audit
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Capsules : HPMC/pullulan (vegetarian capsules) generally accepted; gelatin : only if Halal (species, slaughter, traceability).
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Solvents & alcohol : no alcohol added as an ingredient . Any technical traces (non-intoxicating, unintentional) are assessed by the organization: check the certificate .
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Excipients : origin ( glycerin , stearates , flavorings ) documented; no porcine derivatives/non-Halal.
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Equipment : cleaning/segregation procedures; prevention of cross-contamination.
To request : PDF of the Halal certificate (no., validity, scope: product/site), complete list of ingredients (including capsule/excipients), description of the process (solvents, cleaning).
3) Kosher: what is simply verified
A shilajit can be kosher if the manufacturing is supervised by a kashrut organization (hechshér) covering ingredients , processes , equipment , packaging and, if applicable, Passover .
3.1 Where to check
3.2 Sensitive points
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Capsules : HPMC/pullulan often accepted; gelatin : Kosher only (species/slaughter).
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Kosherization of lines: necessary in case of previous non-kosher production.
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Pesach (option): specific status without hamets if claimed.
To ask : official hechshér (number, period, exact product, site) + rabbinical contact.
4) Vegan: private labels & proof
The term Vegan is not a single public label in the EU: we rely on private labels and/or technical dossiers proving the absence of any material/auxiliary of animal origin.
4.1 Useful references
4.2 Capsules & auxiliaries
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Vegetable capsules : HPMC and pullulan (fermentation polysaccharide) are compatible with Vegan labels, subject to colorings (exclude carmine/E120 ).
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Cleaning : agents without animal derivatives.
5) Organic (EU/AB): where is pure shilajit?
The EU/AB “green leaf” logo is a public label applicable to products of agricultural origin that comply withRegulation (EU) 2018/848 . A minero-organic exudate such as pure shilajit is generally not eligible for the Organic logo as such .
Beware of abuse : the term "organic shilajit" for a pure resin is misleading if no organic certificate covers the final product . Multi-ingredient formulas can be eligible if the agricultural part is certified and the majority according to the rules.
6) Cross-cutting quality: COA, heavy metals & EU compliance
Beyond labels, demand a complete batch COA : heavy metals, solvents, microbiota, mycotoxins. As a reminder, maximum contaminant levels are regulated in the EU byRegulation (EU) 2023/915 .
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Metals : lead, cadmium, mercury, arsenic, inorganic tin — see EU Commission summary: “Contaminants” page .
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Traceability : batch, analysis date, method (ICP-MS, etc.).
7) Concrete scenarios: how to “read” a label
| Case |
What can be demanded |
Common Pitfalls |
Decision |
| Pure Shilajit Resin (in jar)
|
Full COA; possible Halal/Kosher/Vegan certificates covering product+site . |
Organic logo without product certificate; self-declared “vegan” without documentation. |
OK if evidence provided; Bio not expected. |
| Shilajit Capsules
|
Documented HPMC/pullulan capsule; clear Halal/Kosher/Vegan status; COA. |
Gelatin without traceability; animal colorings (E120); undeclared solvents. |
Prefer vegetable capsules + certificates. |
| Superfood Mix
|
Organic certificate valid if majority agricultural ingredients; shilajit traceability. |
Organic “by ricochet” while the resin is not agricultural. |
OK if the certificate covers the entire commodity . |
8) Purchase checklist: 10 decisive questions
- Is the label claimed public (EU) or private? Which one?
- Do I have the PDF of the certificate with number , period , product and site ?
- Is the capsule HPMC/pullulan (or Halal/Kosher gelatin)?
- Are there any excipients of animal origin?
- Are any solvents (or traces) mentioned? What is the Halal/Kosher status?
- Does the batch COA cover heavy metals, microbiota, mycotoxins, solvents?
- Is the organic logo (if present) relevant to the entire food?
- Does the transport/storage meet the label requirements?
- Is there a public verification page (e.g. product database)?
- Is lot/date traceability provided?
FAQ — Halal / Kosher / Organic / Vegan and shilajit
The EU Organic logo applies to products of agricultural origin (Regulation 2018/848). A pure mineral-organic resin is generally not eligible . However, a formula combining certified agricultural ingredients may be eligible if the conditions are met.
Yes, in practice. HPMC/pullulan do not contain animal derivatives; their compatibility depends on the label (Halal/Kosher/Vegan) and the colorants (exclude E120). Always check the certificate and the capsule sheet .
Require a Halal certificate (organization, no., period, product/site scope), the origin of excipients , the status of solvents and cleaning procedures . Useful references: Halal Codex and OIC/SMIIC 1 .
Search for an active Letter of Certification from the organization (e.g., public databases: OU Kosher Product Search/LOC). Confirm the capsule , excipients , line kosherization , and, if claimed, Passover status .
A batch COA covering heavy metals , microbiology , mycotoxins , solvents and traceability (methods, dates). Maximum contaminant levels are governed by Regulation (EU) 2023/915 .
References (verifiable links)
Conclusion
Check, don't assume : for Halal/Kosher/Vegan, require the certificate (product+site) and the actual composition (capsule/excipients/processes). For organic , remember that the EU logo concerns agriculture : a pure shilajit resin is not intended to display it. Finally, analytical quality (COA in accordance with European law) remains the basis for a safe choice that is consistent with your beliefs.
