January-February . 2024 | @ Halal

Industry Point Of View / Study

DR AZMI ABD AZIZ

Chief Technical Officer Global Haltech

The Qur ’ an warns Muslims they are not to eat any meat on which any name other than Allah ’ s has been mentioned

INTRODUCTION

The global halal product industry is flourishing , especially in Asian countries . This development has accelerated halal standards , traceability systems , and basic concepts about halal , impacting the increasing demand for halal products , especially food products ( Hamid et al ., 2019 ; Khan & Haleem , 2016 ).

AREA OF CONCERNS TO FOOD PRODUCTS

In the new growing world , it has become highly challenging for Muslims to determine whether the foods or drinks are considered religiously acceptable or halal . The halal or non-halal problem is not only limited to food or drinks but also related to other products or services .

In the halal food industry is regarded as the biggest halal industry due to the customers ’ demand for halal food products ; indeed , halal food is an essential element for Muslims ’ lives .

The Malaysian context , Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia ( JAKIM ), did not grant halal accreditation to many hotel restaurants because it was found that these outlets used suspicious items like alcohol in cooking , mixing of halal and non-halal items in the store and raw materials such as meat and chicken were sourced from suspect suppliers .

Protection of Muslim interests through a legal institution will enhance certainty in public . With this regulation , the Indonesian government switched the halal certification regime from voluntary to mandatory ( Limenta

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et al ., 2018 ).

IMPORTANCE OF HALAL

• Under Sharia Law , halal foods are lawful and permitted to be eaten by those observing Islamic teachings . Muslims are not allowed to consume foods or beverages that are haram , or forbidden .

Restaurant in Malaysia .

• Malaysia , with its predominantly Muslim population , places great emphasis on adherence to Islamic principles , including dietary laws . Halal , meaning permissible in Arabic , signifies food prepared , processed , and consumed as per Islamic dietary laws , reflecting cultural and religious significance . Consumers are becoming more aware of their rights and responsibilities and conscious about their food .

Halal certification is also a mark of quality and safety , demonstrating that the product or service has been produced under strict Islamic standards . Halal logo and certification are crucial for consumers because they are considered a sign of quality and safety .

• Halal-certified products demand a high level of hygiene and specific standards of cleanliness , safety , and nutrition that fulfil the needs of consumers , especially Muslim consumers .

• Halal income is a term used to refer to earn . ings or profits obtained through acceptable or permissible means under Islamic law . In Islam , it is considered essential to ensure that one ’ s income is earned in a morally and ethically correct way .

• Suppose your product is recognised among other products and is already halal-certified . In that case , it is a guarantee that your product is suitable for consumption and is not indicated by things that are prohibited by Islamic law .

BENEFITS OF CONSUMING HALAL MEAT PRODUCTS

The Qur ’ an warns Muslims that they are not to eat any meat on which any name other than Allah ’ s has been mentioned . It is presumed to refer to both the slaughtering and cooking process . “ If you are forced by necessity , you are allowed to eat just enough to maintain your life ”.

Halal animals also can ’ t be treated with antibiotics or growth hormones since the hormones may contain pork-based ingredients .

There is overwhelming evidence as to why we should include halal meat as part of our diet , regardless of our religious beliefs . The superior taste , ethical considerations , and health benefits give compelling reasons to adopt halal meat into your daily food intake .

CONCLUSION

The rules that make it mandatory for halal food manufacturers to be certified as halal first before offering halal products to consumers is part of the preventive action . Despite no explicit Islamic law indicating the obligation to have the halal certification , there is a need today to ascertain the status of the halalan toyibban food products –

“ Halal certification is also a mark of quality and safety , demonstrating that the product or service has been produced under strict Islamic standards . Halal logo and certification are crucial for consumers because they are considered a sign of quality and safety .”