Halal caterer for companies: the 8 questions to ask before signing
Halal across the menu or the meat only, certification or commitment, alcohol, pork, allergens: eight questions to ask, with our answers.
"Halal" does not mean the same thing from one caterer to the next: the meat only, all the savoury food, with or without certification, with or without alcohol in the sauces. For a company event where everyone must be able to eat, you need precise answers, in writing, before signing the quote. Here are eight questions, what they check, and L'Écrin Traiteur's answer to each.
The 8 questions
| Question | What it checks | L'Écrin Traiteur's answer |
|---|---|---|
| 1. What does "halal" cover? | The meat only, or the whole savoury menu? | The whole savoury menu is halal and pork-free; it is not a separate option. |
| 2. Certification, attestation or commitment? | What is guaranteed, and by whom | We do not claim a halal certification. Ask each caterer the form of the guarantee and have it written down. |
| 3. Pork and derivatives? | Cold cuts, gelatine, fat, sauces | The menu is pork-free. |
| 4. Alcohol? | In the preparations and in the drinks | The menu is alcohol-free; to toast, a Chardonnay 0% at €16.90 excl. VAT a bottle. |
| 5. One buffet or two circuits? | A separate table for some of the guests | One buffet for everyone: no separate table. |
| 6. And the other diets? | Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free in the same buffet | Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options set out in the quote, with the number of people concerned. |
| 7. Is it written on the quote? | The statement commits the caterer | State "halal and pork-free" in your quote request, so that it appears there. |
| 8. Allergens and traces? | Labelling, contact between preparations | Allergen table attached to the quote and the delivery note. |
Why question 2 matters most
A certification is issued by an outside body; an attestation comes from a supplier; a commitment is the caterer's word. These three forms do not guarantee the same thing, and some clients or employees have a precise requirement. The only good practice is to ask for the exact form and have it written down.
What changes for a company event
- A single buffet avoids splitting the team into two groups: all the savoury food is the same for everyone.
- Alcohol is the point most often forgotten: an alcohol-free menu also avoids sauces and drinks to check one by one.
- The formats are the same as anywhere else: breakfast, lunch trays, cocktail and sharing menus, with delivery from 6:30 am in Paris and Île-de-France.
To go further
The budget of a halal cocktail is detailed in halal corporate cocktail in Paris and halal cocktail for 50 people. For a meal, see the halal buffet for 30 people; for an overview, halal corporate caterer in Paris and the halal caterer page. Ask for a quote stating "halal and pork-free", the headcount and the other dietary needs.
Frequently asked questions
What does "halal caterer" mean for a company?
It depends on the caterer: the meat only, or the whole savoury menu. Ask for the scope in writing. At L'Écrin Traiteur, the whole savoury menu is halal and pork-free, alcohol-free.
Is L'Écrin Traiteur halal certified?
We do not claim a halal certification. The savoury menu is halal and pork-free, alcohol-free. If your company requires a specific certification, say so in the quote request before ordering.
Do you need a separate buffet for guests who eat halal?
Not at L'Écrin Traiteur: the whole savoury menu is halal and pork-free, so there is one buffet for all the guests.
Are the drinks alcohol-free?
Yes, the drinks menu is alcohol-free. To toast, the Chardonnay 0% is €16.90 excl. VAT for a 75 cl bottle.
Can you combine halal, vegetarian and gluten-free?
Yes: vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options are set out in the quote, with the number of people concerned.
How do I get the list of allergens?
An allergen table is attached to the quote and the delivery note.
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