Halal standard answers quest for safe food



Halal food manufacturers can standardise their processes in the preparation and distribution of food, source reports


June 07, 2001, 12:01 PM

SINGAPORE (AFP)


– A standard for Halal food was promoted Wednesday as an "economic miracle" providing an answer to the world’s search for safe, quality food.

Speaking at the launch of a global standard for Halal food, the chairman of the Malaysian-based Ilham Daya Consolidate (IDC), Fathil Mohamed said it will do more than unify the various Halal certifications now available.

It will enable Halal food manufacturers to standardise their processes in the preparation and distribution of food, he said.

"People raise their eyebrows when I say this, but I see the standard as an economic miracle that will enhance consumer confidence and stimulate real economic growth," he told an international food forum.

The IDC, which co-ordinates certification schemes, designed the new Halalaan Thoyyiba Global Standard which will ensure Halal food complies with Sharia law and universally accepted safety and quality requirements, officials said. The surge in food-borne diseases has increased demand for safe quality food, delegates were told at the Asian food and beverage conference run by the French-headquartered international food organisation SIAL.

"Many non-Muslims are beginning to see Halal food as a healthy option," said Angeline Tok, SIAL exhibition manager. The new standard will be regulated by two councils based in Jeddah, while Swiss-based SGS Food Sevices will oversee the non-Halal components and certify food producers who meet requirements.

A global standard was initiated because of the large numbers of Halal certifications available worldwide that were not universally recognised.

"Even though the basics remain the same, there have been different interpretations about what Halal food means. As a result, non-Muslim food producers have been confused," Australian food consultant Alan Symth told delegates.