Halal Food Compliance in Oman Strengthened with New Oversight Group

Oman has introduced a new oversight working group to reinforce halal food compliance across the country. The initiative is part of ongoing efforts to protect consumer trust, support Shariah-based standards, and increase Oman’s competitiveness in the global halal market.

The working group has been established under the guidance of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources. It includes members from food safety departments, Islamic affairs, veterinary services, and trade regulators. Their joint responsibility is to ensure that all halal food available in the Omani market strictly follows both religious requirements and food safety regulations.

Clearer Monitoring and Stronger Controls

One of the first actions being taken is the review of halal certification processes used in slaughterhouses, food processing facilities, and import-export channels. The aim is to close any existing gaps, prevent misuse of certification labels, and stop cross-contamination with non-halal products.

Along with tighter controls on domestic production, the group is also expected to set stronger conditions for international suppliers exporting halal food to Oman. Foreign producers will need to meet detailed technical standards and pass specific inspections before approval. This move is designed to maintain high levels of confidence in imported products and protect consumers from misleading or unverified halal claims.

Support for Local Businesses

The group plans to organise awareness programmes for local companies and SMEs to help them better understand halal requirements. These workshops will include practical guidance on ethical sourcing, hygienic processing, proper labelling, and documentation. By improving knowledge at the industry level, authorities hope Oman’s local businesses can expand safely into profitable halal export markets overseas.

Building Consumer Trust

Consumers in Oman are becoming more conscious about the authenticity and transparency of halal products. The working group is therefore also considering the development of a digital verification service that will allow buyers to check halal certification status through mobile applications. This will make it easier for consumers to confirm that the products they purchase are fully compliant with both national and international halal standards.

Strengthening Oman’s Export Position

The halal food sector is one of the fastest-growing areas in Oman’s economy. With demand coming not only from the Middle East but also from Asia, Europe, and Africa, the new oversight group is viewed as a key step towards improving halal governance and helping local producers reach new markets. Better systems and clear rules are expected to attract investment, raise production standards, and improve Oman’s reputation in the global halal food supply chain.

By introducing this group, Oman is demonstrating its commitment to upholding the integrity of halal, protecting consumer rights, and supporting sustainable growth in the food sector. The initiative shows how stronger regulation and practical industry support can work together to build a more transparent and trustworthy halal ecosystem.