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SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER. 2019 | @Halal
CONTAMINATION
Contamination could occur at any stage of
any given product. The product does not
contain porcine-based ingredients, and the
manufacturer takes great care in ingredi-
ents sourcing to ensure that. However if
the product turned out to be tested positive
for porcine DNA, then contamination had
happen. And it can happen at any stage along
the supply chain, be it during packaging,
storing, or delivering of the product.
One of the key roles for a supposed halal
CSI unit is to educate and promote to the
public of the three described ways a product
can contain porcine DNA. It can be due to
sabotage, formulation or contamination. So
how does one identify in which way does
a product gets its porcine DNA? It can be
solve through two phases of CSI practice,
the information phase and the verifi cation
phase.
INFORMATION PHASE
In this phase, the CSI team has to get a clear
picture of the case once its dissemination
has started. A few question will need to be
answered.
i. The dissemination is viral with or without
supported by a lab's certifi cate of analysis
(COA) result.
ii. Whether the dissemination of the lab
result is through social media OR through
official announcement by authority/
agencies.
ii. Whether the method of analysis used is
a validated method OR a non-validated
method.
iv. Whether the lab result came from
ISO17025 accredited laboratory OR from
non-accredited laboratory.
v. Whether the lab result came from a
government/authority's recognised
laboratory OR from a non-recognised
laboratory.
vi. Other related question based on type of
products and type of industry.
Once all the needed information is gath-
ered with comprehensive answers, then the
CSI will move to the second phase, which is
verifi cation.
VERIFICATION PHASE
This phase will focus on the product and fac-
tory itself.
i. Whether the factory have a halal commit-
tee or any halal monitoring team/unit.
ii. Will need to ensure type of packaging used
for the product.
iii. The product(s) involved in halal status
issue is sampled for halal analysis.
Finally, the result from an ISO17025
accredited and JAKIM's recognised labora-
tory to decide either the positive result is
because of sabotage, formulation of
contamination.
Lab tests can detect
procine DNA quite
accurately, therefore the
source of contamination
should be well
investigated.
ACCOUNTABILITY
IS THE MAIN THING
If the CSI reports found the manufacturer
to be guilty, either intently or through neg-
ligence, they will be dealt with accordingly.
Muslims can also rest easier knowing that a
thorough investigation had been conducted
on the product and companies involved.
CSI Halal is a grand plan that requires the
involvement of many parties. The authorities
have to work out the concept and gather the
expertise of others at every point of investiga-
tion to make it happen.
Science, makes our daily task easier. CSI
will assist authorities to decide the correct
decision and will assist industries to remain
in good reputation. That the importance of
Halal science, That is the value of Halal logo,
and that is the beauty of Islam.