adopted from HALAL – NEW MARKET OPPORTUNITIES by Hj. Sumali bin Amat (Department of Islamic Development, Malaysia)
(JAKIM website : http://www.islam.gov.my/) 17 November 2006
II. FORMATION OF COMPREHENSIVE HALAL STANDARD
In order to be recognized as halal, products must conform to accepted halal standard.
Unfortunately, the global halal industry still tends to be fragmented with numerous standards and sometimes competing with each others. There is a need for uniform halal standards that impact the various sectors in the market ranging from food and agriculture to shipping and logistics. The same applies to the labelling of various halal standards currently used. An alternative has to be adopted by all parties which should also be internationally recognised.
Being a prominent Islamic country in the world, the Malaysian Government has taken an initiative to address halal standard issue. Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) together with Department of Standards Malaysia, Institute of Islamic Understanding Malaysia and Malaysian Institute of Industrial Research and Standards (SIRIM) have drafted a halal standard. The standard was based on a previous standard developed by SIRIM, known as MS1500:2000.
As halal does not only cover the rituals of Muslim norm such as animal slaughtering, but also encircles all aspects of cleanliness, safety, preparation, storage and purification, the following guidelines have been incorporated into the proposed standard:
General Principles of Food Hygiene (MS1514:2001),
This Malaysian Standard follows the food chain from primary production to the final consumer, setting out the necessary hygienic conditions for producing food which is safe and suitable for consumption.
Food Safety According to Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) MS1480:1999
This document describes requirements for food safety according to hazard analysis and critical control point (HACCP) system.
The draft was circulated to various countries for comments. The new halal standard, known as Malaysian Standard MS 1500:2004 was finally approved by Government and gazetted on July 10 2004. Due to its comprehensive and explicit nature, the halal standards have been accepted by the United Nations. The credibility of JAKIM Halal Certification has long been recognized by many multinational companies especially those in the region. It has been proposed that MS 1500: 2004 to be a global standard for halal products.
MS 1500:2004 has effectively promulgated Malaysia as the world’s first to issue standards for the manufacturing, preparation, managing and storage of halal food. The standard requirement must be adhered to by manufacturers and producers before halal certificate can be awarded. Some practical aspects of the standard are discussed in Appendix A.
III. HALAL CERTIFICATIONS
JAKIM is given the authority to certify Halal products. Requirements stipulated under the MS 1500:2004 halal standard must be fulfilled before any halal product be awarded halal certificate by JAKIM. To facilitate the manufacturers in the manufacturing process of halal product, JAKIM has also introduced halal guidelines namely ISO/IEC Guide 65 and Malaysian Halal Certification Procedure Manual. These are very valuable sources of reference for halal manufacturers applying for halal certification.
Once halal certificates are awarded, manufacturers can use halal label on their products. The halal label issued by JAKIM is a registered trade mark under Trade Mark Act 1975. Products with halal certificate must all the time conform fully to halal standards.
By getting halal products certified by JAKIM, manufacturers and producers are getting the assurance that their ingredients, its preparation, processing, hygienic and sanitation procedures meet not only the Halal standards, but also consistent with HACCP and other established quality assurance standards. Assurance of quality and wholesomeness can results in the increase in demand for such products.
Once halal certificates are awarded, manufacturers can use halal label on their products. The halal label issued by JAKIM is a registered trade mark under Trade Mark Act 1975. Products with halal certificate must all the time conform fully to halal standards.
By getting halal products certified by JAKIM, manufacturers and producers are getting the assurance that their ingredients, its preparation, processing, hygienic and sanitation procedures meet not only the Halal standards, but also consistent with HACCP and other established quality assurance standards. Assurance of quality and wholesomeness can results in the increase in demand for such products.
JAKIM carries out halal conformity inspection through regular monitoring either by spot check/inspection or verbal communication with the companies involved. During the post certification period, any changes discovered without prior approval from JAKIM will result in the certificate being suspended or revoked. These changes may be classified as minor, major or serious offences:
a) Minor – involving hygiene and cleanliness
b) Major – involving the change of ingredients, manufacturers and suppliers, machinery and relocation of the plant.
The above offences (minor and major) will render the certificate to be suspended and subjected to remedial and corrective actions by the manufacturer and require resubmission of application.
c) Serious – involving the use of non-halal ingredients e.g. non slaughtered animals, pork or its derivatives in the production. This will cause the certificate to be revoked and the company to be prosecuted in court.
Halal certificate is valid for two years. The renewal of the certificate is not automatic. Before renewal is granted, the products will undergo thorough inspection process, similar to the one when the first application was made. As halal certification is not mandatory, those with halal certification have a competitive advantage over other food manufacturers.
Adoption of Malaysian Halal Standard for Certification
Malaysia is also an importer of halal products. Certain imported products like meat must be certified halal by approved authority in the country of origin. With regards to halal certification overseas, JAKIM has identified and accredited several local Islamic organisations that are actively involved in the certification of halal products and monitoring products exported to Malaysia.
The Australian and New Zealand authorities for example have undertaken tasks to ensure the acceptance of the halal protocol with Malaysia. This protocol outlined Malaysia’s requirements for meat exports in accordance with Halal guidelines and standards.
It is interesting to note that Australia is amongst the largest red meat export in the world. All sheep in Australia are Halal slaughtered. 28% of sheep exports are to the Middle East and Africa, 6% of sheep exports are the South East Asia. The export focused to more than 120 countries, and has been suppying Muslim countries for more than 35 years.
