Training Course on Halal Products Standards To Be Held in Islamabad in May

The COMSTECH-SMIIC Training Course titled “OIC/SMIIC Halal Products Standards and Testing: Food, Pharmaceuticals, and Cosmetics” is scheduled to take place from May 20 to May 24.

In a significant move to bolster Halal certification standards, the OIC Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation (COMSTECH) and the Standards and Metrology Institute for Islamic Countries (SMIIC) are collaborating with the Moroccan Institute of Standardization (IMANOR) to organize an advanced training course in Rabat, Morocco. This course focuses on enhancing the implementation and understanding of Halal compliance across member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

Set to take place at IMANOR’s facilities; this initiative comes when the global market for Halal products faces challenges such as contamination and the inclusion of non-Halal ingredients. The last day for registration is May 03, and the course aims to address the critical need for robust Halal testing laboratories that ensure products meet Halal standards.

The urgency of developing these facilities is underscored by the growing cross-contamination in food and cosmetics, often exacerbated by globalization and the importation of products from non-Islamic countries. This issue not only affects the availability of compliant products but also impacts consumer trust in Halal labels.

Endorsed by the Abu Dhabi Declaration at the Second OIC Summit on Science & Technology in June 2021, the training is part of a broader mandate to elevate the capabilities of Least Developed Countries within the OIC in Halal certification. This educational endeavor aims to foster the harmonization of Halal standards both within the OIC and globally, promoting the widespread adoption and application of the OIC/SMIIC Halal Food Standards, particularly OIC/SMIIC 1:2019 and OIC/SMIIC 2:2019 which cover general requirements and conformity assessments for Halal food.

Participants, including scientists, government officials, policymakers, enforcement officers, and food safety auditors, will gain insight into crucial topics such as detecting porcine and ethanol in food products and cosmetics. They will also learn about auditing Halal testing laboratories to ensure compliance with OIC/SMIIC 35 – a standard that outlines the general requirements for lab competence in Halal testing.

A practical session in the Training Course on Halal Products Standards Testing From May 20–24 will provide selected participants with hands-on experience in Halal laboratory testing techniques. This aims to bridge the knowledge gap and enhance the expertise of professionals in this field. The course serves as a comprehensive platform for learning and an opportunity to align best practices and regulatory requirements across the OIC countries, thereby strengthening the international Halal market.