Yes, apple cider vinegar is generally considered halal. The fermentation process involved in making vinegar, including apple cider vinegar, transforms the alcohol into acetic acid, making the end product halal.

Explanation:

1. Prophet Muhammad’s Praise:
   • The Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم praised vinegar, indicating its permissibility. He said, “How great of a condiment is vinegar” (Muslim).
2. Fermentation Process:
   • Vinegar is produced through a two-stage fermentation process:
     1. Glucose (sugar) is converted into alcohol.
     2. The alcohol is then converted into acetic acid (vinegar).
   • This transformation process changes the original nature of the substance, making it halal.
3. Halal Certification:
   • According to the Fatwa of the Indonesian Council of Ulama (MUI) and other Islamic scholars, vinegar made from wine, whether naturally or through engineering, is considered halal and pure.
   • Islam Q&A: It is generally permissible to consume apple cider vinegar as long as it does not contain any haram substances such as alcohol before it transforms into vinegar. The fermentation process should ensure that any alcohol content is converted into acetic acid, making the product halal.
   • Islamic Legal Ruling: If alcohol or any intoxicating substance is present before the fermentation process completes and transforms into vinegar, it becomes haram. However, once it fully transforms, it is considered pure and halal.
4. Ingredients and Additives:
   • While the vinegar itself is halal, attention should be paid to additional ingredients or additives that may be used, such as flavors, colors, and clarifying agents like pectinase.
   • If these additives come from animal sources, they must be from halal animals slaughtered according to Islamic law.

Important Considerations:

• Verify the source of any additives in the apple cider vinegar to ensure they are halal.
• Check for halal certification on the product if available.

And Allah knows best.

source : https://askimam.org/public/question_detail/18273