As the number of global food companies catering to Muslims expands, strengthening Halal certification will become increasingly important. As complex global food supply chains grow, emerging blockchain technologies for Halal certification promise to offer confidence and transparency.
Because of the global reach of Halal food, certification is even more necessary. In essence, certification ensures that Islamic law has been followed during the path of an animal-based food or ingredient, including planning, storage, processing, and transportation. While all food and beverages are halal by law in Muslim-majority countries like Saudi Arabia, the designation is important for Western or Asian brands that want to sell into these markets or for those targeting Muslim communities in non-majority countries.
Halal meat preparation guidelines:
- At the time of slaughter, the animal must be in good health.
- The animal must be killed by hand, with blood drained from the carcass, by a Muslim using a single swipe of a sharp knife through the carotid artery, jugular, and windpipe.
- Halal forbids the use of alcohol to clean knives, blades, and tools, as well as the use of flavorings and ingredients extracted from alcohol.
- The consumption of swine flesh is prohibited.
In general, a non-meat beverage or food product should be Halal certified, with Halal certification being required for some high-risk items like cheese. While not all ingredients must be Halal certified, they must all be tested by a globally recognized Halal certification body to ensure that they are Halal compliant. Those additives should be avoided at all costs. This involves ingredients with a potential animal origin, manufacturing aids with a potential animal origin, and ingredients that use ethanol in any way.
Ingredients that may include or use ethanol in their manufacturing process, as well as those that are of animal origin or may be of animal origin, must be Halal approved. Cooked products containing ingredients generated with the help of enzymes can be especially responsive in this regard. Enzymes are of particular concern, and Halal certification is often required before the finished product can be certified.
Halal certification means that a good or service complies with Islamic law and is hence fit for use. The certification process ensures the quality of the goods in compliance with the Islamic Council’s regulations, which allow the use of the Halal label.
Is it true that all Halal certifiers are approved worldwide?
A Halal Certification Agency regulates and oversees the Halal Certification process to ensure that their product complies with international Halal requirements. Each Halal certifying organization must use its religious and technical expertise in the Halal industry and be represented by trained Muslim experts in the field.
Top certifiers are well-versed in international Halal principles and have personnel who have completed formal Halal training and attended international Halal conferences. Formal recognition or accreditation by overseas Halal governing bodies that represent specific countries and international markets is part of this. It is preferable to select a Halal Certification Agency that recognizes, upholds, and respects international standards and, above all, has been in operation for decades and offers timely, competent, and attentive value-added services.
