From Codex Alimentarius CAC/GL 24-1997

Halal food means food permitted under the Islamic Law and should fulfill the following conditions:

• does not consist of or contain anything which is considered to be unlawful according to Islamic Law;
• has not been prepared, processed, transported or stored using any appliance or facility that was not free from anything unlawful according to Islamic Law; and
• has not in the course of preparation, processing, transportation or storage been in direct contact with any food that fails to satisfy 2 points mentioned above.

Notwithstanding Section above:

• halal food can be prepared, processed or stored in different sections or lines within the same premises where non-halal foods are produced, provided that necessary measures are taken to prevent any contact between halal and non-halal foods;
• halal food can be prepared, processed, transported or stored using facilities which have been previously used for non-halal foods provided that proper cleaning procedures, according to Islamic requirements, have been observed.