Alco-No: A Portable, Rapid – Detection System for Quantifying Ethanol Content in Food to Ensure Halal Compliance

Abstract

This paper presents Alco-No, a portable, rapid-detection system that quantifies ethanol in food products to support halal compliance for Muslim consumers. The widespread use of ethanol in the food industry poses significant challenges to halal integrity, given Islam’s strict prohibition of alcohol. Existing laboratory-based ethanol detection methods are impractical for everyday consumer use, underscoring the need for accessible, real-time solutions. Alco-No addresses this gap by combining an MQ-3 alcohol sensor, an ESP32 microcontroller, and a cloud-connected notification system to deliver immediate, user-friendly results. The device enables non-contact analysis of both solid and liquid foods, providing a clear safety classification based on a 0.5% ethanol threshold aligned with halal standards. Pilot testing demonstrated robust performance, accurate detection, and high user satisfaction, especially among young Muslim consumers, who reported increased confidence and perceived safety when using the device. Despite current limitations—such as internet dependence and potential matrix interference—Alco-No represents an important step toward consumer empowerment and transparency in halal food verification. Future development will focus on expanding food-type compatibility, enhancing offline functionality, and integrating broader halal certification data. The innovation holds promise for advancing food safety governance and reinforcing consumer trust in the global halal supply chain.