What is Halal Certification?

The food industry is always changing and nowadays there is a big focus on meeting different dietary and cultural needs. One such change is that the need for Halal certification has become very important for businesses. If you wish to serve the Muslim population, which is large and growing, then it may become mandatory to obtain this certification sooner or later.

What is Halal Food Certification?

Halal certification is a process that makes sure products follow Islamic dietary rules. The word "halal" means "permissible" in Arabic. It includes many types of products like food, drinks, medicines, and cosmetics. For food items, this certification shows that they do not contain anything forbidden by Islamic law, like pork or alcohol. It also ensures that the way the food is made meets certain ethical and cleanliness standards.

Importance of Halal Certification

Halal certification is important for businesses that want to enter the growing halal market. It helps build trust with Muslim customers and can lead to more brand loyalty and sales. Additionally, it shows that a company values quality, cleanliness, and ethical practices, which can also attract non-Muslim shoppers. The Halal Food Market is projected to grow from US$ 2.67 trillion in 2024 to US$ 5.96 trillion by 2033.

Halal Certification Explained

Halal certification is the process through which a product or facility is officially recognized as complying with Islamic dietary laws. The certification is carried out by an accredited Islamic authority and involves a detailed review of ingredients, production practices, and hygiene standards. The goal is to ensure the product is lawful (halal) for Muslim consumers. The process varies slightly by region or certifying body, but it generally follows a clear structure.

• Application: The company submits product and process information to a recognized halal certification body.
• Documentation Review: All ingredients, suppliers, and production methods are examined for compliance.
• Inspection: The facility is inspected to verify cleanliness, segregation of non-halal materials, and proper procedures.
• Compliance with Slaughter Requirements: For meat products, the slaughter process must meet Islamic guidelines, including invocation and humane handling.
• Training & Hygiene: Staff may need training on halal practices, and hygiene standards must be upheld.
• Approval & Labeling: If the product meets all requirements, a halal certificate is issued and the halal logo may be used.
• Ongoing Audits: Certified companies are regularly audited to ensure continued compliance.

Halal Certification Organisations

Halal certification is carried out by recognized organizations that assess and verify compliance with halal standards. These organizations vary by region, but some of the most prominent include:

• Jakim (Malaysia): A globally respected body for halal certification.
• ESMA Approved Halal Certification Bodies (UAE): The Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology (ESMA) accredits halal certifiers to ensure compliance with UAE and GCC standards.
• HFA (Halal Food Authority, UK): A leading halal certifier in Europe.
• IFANCA (Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America): Focuses on halal certification in North America.
• MUI (Majelis Ulama Indonesia): The primary halal certification body in Indonesia.

These organizations work to uphold the integrity of halal certification while addressing the specific needs of regional markets.

Is Halal Certified the Same as Kosher?

No, halal certification and kosher certification are not the same. Halal follows Islamic laws, while kosher follows Jewish laws. They have some things in common, like the ban on pork and certain slaughter methods, but they are not the same.

Halal certification means that food is made according to Islamic rules about how animals are slaughtered and what ingredients can be used. Kosher certification follows Jewish rules, which have different guidelines for meat, dairy, and which animals are allowed. For instance, kosher does not allow mixing meat and dairy, but halal does not have this restriction.

Since the rules and processes are different, halal certified foods are not always kosher, and kosher foods are not always halal.

‍