Despite the growing demand for halal seafood , there is no standardised certification for halal aquafeed . This article delves into the current situation , challenges , and potential solutions for establishing halal aquafeed standards .

THE DEMAND FOR HALAL SEAFOOD

Fish and seafood are central to the Malaysian diet , serving as a primary protein source . In 2022 , the Malaysian aquaculture sector contributed to a total production of about 573,682 tonnes , with an estimated economic worth of US $ 2.9 billion , as the Department of Fisheries ( DOF ) reported .

This underlines the potential of the aquaculture industry to bolster national food security , addressing the challenges of inadequate marine fisheries landings and the sustainable utilisation of marine fish resources .

The global halal food market has seen remarkable growth in recent years , driven by the increasing Muslim population and a broader awareness of dietary choices . Fish and seafood , a significant part of many cultures ’ diets , are no exception . Consumers seek assurance that their seafood adheres to halal principles from farm to table .

One of the most significant concerns that has garnered public attention and led to increased demand for halal fish and seafood in Malaysia revolves around the alleged practice of feeding certain Malaysian aquaculture fish with waste materials and carcasses from pigs , as well as waste from other animals like chicken offal [ 1 ].

This public outcry has resulted in a decline in the consumption of specific types of fish , reflecting a loss of consumer confidence in these products . These concerns also stem from apprehensions about hygiene and the potential health risks of consuming fish fed with waste or carcasses . These concerns include the possibility of these waste products serving as a breeding ground for harmful microbes , such as tapeworms , pathogenic bacteria like Campylobacter sp ., and E . coli , which can pose risks to human health .

HALAL AQUAFEED : A KEY TO SAFEGUARD HALAL FISH AND SEAFOOD PRODUCTION

In all livestock farming , including aquaculture , the portion of production costs allocated to feed is notably substantial , typically ranging from 40-70 per cent . This emphasises the role of the animal feed industry , which acts as a key supplier to farmers , in establishing dependable standards for price and quality that favour safety and trustworthiness .

The aquafeed industry , feed ingredient suppliers , and farms have power and plays a pivotal role in ensuring the safety , quality and halal status of the end products .

Over the years , food safety incidents , such as aquatic pathogen-related foodborne illnesses and outbreaks of scombroid toxin / histamine ( note : scombroid poisoning

BY NURHIDAYU AL-SAARI

INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR HALAL RESEARCH AND TRAINING ( INHART ) INTERNATIONAL ISLAMIC UNIVERSITY MALAYSIA

results from consuming marine fish that have started to spoil due to the presence of specific food bacteria , leading to food intoxication ) and ciguatoxin ( note : ciguatera poisoning occurs when people consume seafood that has ingested microscopic algae producing ciguatoxin ) in fish , underscore the need to recognise animal rearing and feeding practices as potential hazards to public health .

The issue of halal animal feed is a worldwide concern , encompassing a range of challenges , including incorporating non-halal components , including growth enhancers / hormones , medications , vaccines and antibiotics , and utilising genetically modified ( GM ) crops as feed constituents .

It is also worth noting that non-permissible feed ingredients — feeding catfish , for example , with pig intestines or other animal by-products — are not unique to Malaysia and have been reported in other countries , including Thailand and Taiwan .

Furthermore , in today ’ s agricultural landscape , it is increasingly common for farmers to provide their fish with commercial feeds composed of animal protein and by-products such as blood , tissue , or bone , as well as food waste streams , which may potentially include materials of porcine origin or animals that did not undergo Islamic slaughter .

The Prophet ’ s hadiths unequivocally forbid the consumption of food and milk derived from animals fed with impurities , along with riding such animals , where perhaps lies the wisdom to emphasise the feed as the key to safeguarding halal animal production for human consumption .

It was narrated that Ibn ’ Umar said : “ The Messenger of Allah ( pbuh ) forbade the meat and milk of Al-Jallalah .”

Sunan Ibn Majah 3189 ( Book 27 , Hadith 28 ) - Chapter on Slaughtering

THE MISSING LINK : HALAL AQUAFEED CERTIFICATION

Malaysians traditionally consume fish and seafood in various forms , including cooked , cured , fermented , and occasionally raw . While consumers can readily access halal-certified processed seafood products , the same assurance does not extend to the fresh fish and seafood available in local markets , as they do not necessitate halal certification or any food safety evaluation before being offered for sale .

The MS1500:2019 , a Malaysian standard used as guidelines for halal food production , explicitly specifies in clauses 4.5.1.1.1 ( h ) and 4.5.1.1.2 ( c ) that rearing halal aquatic animals that are deliberately and consistently fed with impurities ( najs ) is classified as non-halal .

As outlined by the Department of Standards Malaysia in 2019 , this directive emphasises that such animals should not be consumed or used as ingredients , serving as a fundamental guideline in ensuring the preparation of halal seafood products offered on the shelves or in the frozen section in the supermarket .

While it is evident that the production of halal aquafeed would play a leading role in ensuring the quality and safety of halal fish and seafood , particularly those sold fresh in local markets , it is currently lacking standardised guidelines , regulations , or certi-