What is Halal Certification?

Halal certification assures consumers that the food ingredients and processes involved in making them strictly follow Shariah guidelines. Revisiting the basics of what Halal certification is and how goods are certified as Halal becomes important for manufacturers who are looking to tap into the lucrative Halal food industry globally.

There are many concerns about how to ensure credible Halal certification. Nonetheless, this new drive to meet Muslim consumer demand beyond halal food is bringing together religion and business in an unprecedented way – and giving Islam a new identity in the 21st century.

The Halal Times has partnered with several Halal certification bodies around the world to spread the word about the Halal certification industry, its processes, and other topics related to the sector.

Halal certification is proof that goods and services targeted at Muslims adhere to Islamic law’s criteria. These goods and services are regarded as acceptable or permissible for Muslim consumers.

These products must meet the specifications set out by Shariah to receive the Halal certification. Although a huge variety of goods can be deemed Halal, most certifications are mostly focused on meat, milk, canned foods, some additives, cosmetics, etc.

When it comes to meat goods, Halal guarantees that the animals were slain in a single cut, properly bled, and that neither their meat nor any other meat- or pork-related products came into contact with them throughout the slaughtering process.

Products bearing the Halal certification are frequently identified by the letter “M” or the Halal symbol. The symbols could come in various designs and shapes.

What is the process of getting Halal Certification?

There are numerous ways for a business to get Halal certification as not all Halal certification organizations issue certificates the same way.  Here is a general description of the producer’s Halal Certification process.

1. Compile product information and supporting materials, including your items’ ingredient lists
2. Apply for Halal certification and pay the required expenses
3. Await a call from the inspectors
4. Ensure that your finished goods are stored in areas that adhere to Halal standards for storage, preparation, packing, and storage.
5. Auditors will arrange to visit your facilities and inspect them. After the evaluation, they will compile a report that includes recommendations/suggestions for your facilities and operations.
6. The Halal certification panel will review your information. If satisfied, a contract will be created.
7. Qualifying products will receive a Halal certification after the agreement is signed and additional fees are paid.
8. After that, the Halal symbol can be applied to the qualifying goods and they can be distributed to suitable channels for consumption purposes.

Halal certification plays a significant role in promoting the global Halal industry. Having a basic understanding of how goods are certified Halal helps potential and existing players in the industry to grow their business to Muslim consumers around the world.