JAKIM Urged To Decide Whether Daim, Toblerone Chocolates Are Halal

The recent inquiries regarding the halal status of Daim and Toblerone chocolates have underscored the pivotal role of the Malaysia Islamic Development Department (JAKIM) in providing guidance and assurance to the Muslim community concerning halal certification. JAKIM’s confirmation that these brands lack halal certification has sparked discussions among consumers and organizations concerned with halal compliance. This development has brought to light the challenges and intricacies involved in navigating the global halal market, emphasizing the need for transparency and stringent adherence to halal standards​

Mondelez International’s response to the concerns raised highlights a broader issue in the global food industry – the adaptation to diverse dietary laws and the assurance of product compliance with Islamic dietary guidelines. By stating that the ingredients in Daim and Toblerone chocolates are “suitable and safe” for Muslims, Mondelez International aims to mitigate concerns regarding the consumption of their products by the Muslim community. This stance also reflects the industry’s recognition of the growing demand for halal-certified products beyond Muslim-majority countries, and the complexities of achieving and maintaining such certification across different jurisdictions​

The dialogue between JAKIM, NGOs, and Mondelez International on the halal certification of these popular chocolate brands is indicative of the evolving landscape of the halal certification process. It showcases the efforts by certification bodies to uphold halal standards while also highlighting the challenges food manufacturers face in navigating these requirements. For Muslim consumers, the importance of verifying the halal status of food products cannot be overstated. As such, JAKIM encourages consumers to be vigilant and seek out products that clearly display the Malaysian halal logo or those certified by internationally recognized halal certification bodies.

In light of these developments, it’s clear that both consumers and manufacturers play a critical role in the halal certification ecosystem. Consumers are urged to stay informed about the halal status of products by utilizing resources provided by JAKIM and other authoritative bodies. On the other hand, manufacturers are encouraged to pursue halal certification to cater to the needs of Muslim consumers and tap into the lucrative global halal market. This ongoing dialogue and collaborative effort between all stakeholders are crucial for fostering a transparent, reliable, and inclusive halal certification process that accommodates the diverse needs of the global Muslim community.