Starbucks Halal Cert Not Revoked

The halal certificate issued to the Starbucks coffeehouse chain in the country has never been suspended or revoked, the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) said yesterday.

The Halal Hub Division of Jakim said in a statement that the SMS circulating on the company’s halal status was mere slander. “Every holder of the halal certificate is constantly monitored by Jakim,” it added. The statement said the Halal Hub Division had received many telephone queries on the halal status of Starbucks.

The people’s concern over the halal status of the coffeehouse chain arose following a rumor on social media casting doubt over the ingredients used for making its cakes and drinks.