@ Halal | January-February . 2025

Harmonising halal standards to address food safety and security challenges

BY ZAFIRAH ZAFRUDDIN

At the 29th edition of the Conference of the Parties ( COP29 ) in Baku , Azerbaijan , the Standards and Metrology Institute for Islamic Countries ( SMIIC ), a partner for the COP29 Standards Pavilion , hosted a session titled ‘ Elevating Global Food Safety and Security through OIC / SMIIC Standards .’

HALAL AND SUSTAINABILITY

The principles of halal practices are closely aligned with global sustainability and food security objectives .

One of the biggest challenges in food security is supply chain inefficiency . According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations ( FAO ), a substantial portion of edible raw materials , enough to feed a billion people , is lost due to poor handling , processing , and storage .

These inefficiencies represent missed opportunities to optimise operations and reduce waste , highlighting a critical gap in sustainability efforts .

SMIIC , an intergovernmental standardisation organisation with 48 member states across Asia , Africa , Europe , and South America , develops halal standards that ensure compliance with Islamic principles and drive sustainable practices .

These standards emphasise ethical treatment of animals , efficient use of resources , and a circular green economy . They not only uphold food safety and quality but also enhance the sustainability of the food industry .

SMIIC Secretary General Ihsan Övut underlined the critical connection between food safety and food security : “ When food safety is compromised , there are significant risks of contamination and foodborne diseases , which directly impact public health , reduce consumer confidence , and can lead to significant economic losses .”

He also asserted that food security is not just about availability ; it must be safe and nutritionally sufficient .

To date , SMIIC has published nearly 60 standards , 20 of which are related to halal . Key standards include :

• OIC / SMIIC 1 ( General Requirements for Halal Food )

• OIC / SMIIC 17 ( Halal Supply Chain Management )

• OIC / SMIIC 18 ( Halal Quality Management System ) While adhering to Islamic principles , these standards draw upon internationally recognised frameworks like Codex Alimentarius and the ISO 22000 series .

“ A strong halal food supply chain , complemented by a unified OIC / SMIIC standard , is an important approach to | achieving sustainable food security ,” added Övut .

( From left to right ) The session moderator , Abdelaziz Hajjaji , Ilham Bayramov , and İhsan Övut .

SMIIC-led session at COP29 Standards Pavilion .

AZERBAIJAN ’ S NATIONAL INITIATIVES

Azerbaijan is actively addressing food security challenges , especially those posed by climate change , through a strategy focused on sustainable development .

• Sustainable Agriculture : Implementing practices like precision agriculture to optimise resource use and minimise environmental impact .

• Technology & Innovation : Adopting agricultural technologies ( smart farming , data analytics , automated systems ) that are compliant with ESG standards to enhance climate resilience .

• Rural Infrastructure & Farmer Support : Strengthening rural infrastructure and providing farmers with access to modern tools to promote sustainable production and fair trade .

• Efficient Supply Chains : Developing robust storage and transportation systems to minimise food loss and improve food safety and sustainability .

• Climate-Resistant Crops and Water Efficiency : Investing in research on drought and heat-resistant crops and implementing modern irrigation systems to ensure food supply in extreme conditions . By aligning halal standards with international trade regulation , Azerbaijan not only enhances market access but also ensures that its agricultural products meet globally recognised ethical and quality benchmarks .

“ OIC / SMIIC standards are pivotal ; they have a vital role in ensuring food safety , harmonising agricultural practices , and promoting trade across the OIC region ,” said AZSTAND Director General Ilham Bayramov .

Furthermore , Azerbaijan is also actively engaged with the Islamic Organization for Food Security ( IOFS ). This collaboration is vital , as IOFS focuses on promoting food security and sustainable agricultural practices throughout the OIC region .

REGIONAL COOPERATION IOFS Programme Manager Dr Abdelaziz Haj-