Halal Food Certification

Under the Halal Food Certification Program, establish your organization among those following practices regarding foods, in accordance with Islamic Laws. Although the Muslim population approximates 1.6 billion individuals on the planet, halal food certification is now not only being called on by Muslims but also non-Muslims. As the world now realizes the benefits of the rigorous Islamic practices enforced with regards to food, countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, Australia, Brazil, Canada, New Zealand and the USA shift to halal practices. The leading suppliers of high-quality meat products all over the world must cater to the mass market.

Rapidly gaining momentum, halal foods are now recognized to be in accordance with safe, hygienic and animal-friendly practices. Currently, Pakistan does not have a significant contribution worldwide as a halal meat supplier, meeting only 0.5% of the current demand, but the country possesses immense potential. Majorly an agricultural state with more than 169 million pieces of healthy, quality livestock; 74 million cattle and buffaloes and 95 million goats and sheep, Pakistan produces over 1, 218,000 tonnes of meat per annum.

What is Halal Food?

A dietary standard set by Muslims, halal food is clean food items that Muslims are allowed to consume. It involves strictly outlined procedures for slaughtering animals with regards to meat. All other foods are considered halal except for the following:

Food items containing alcohol or intoxicants
Pork and pork by-products
Blood and by-products
Insects and by-products

Why Opt for Halal Food Certification

It is essential to confirm by the Islamic dietary principles to serve the best interests of the market. It fulfils requirements needed by food export regulations and greatly enhances the clientele of your food products. Islamic practices also guarantee safe and hygienic methods for slaughtering animals and obtaining meat. Halal food principles apply to those practising Kosher as well. Accreditation is crucial to break into the food market to appeal to a wider audience, non-Muslims can consume halal foods and therefore everyone can, but Muslims cannot consume foods that are not compliant with halal practices.

Adequate accommodation of different cultures and beliefs in accordance with the ISO Certification system regarding halal certification of meat, acquisition of infrastructure and provision of suitable storage facilities will collectively contribute to improving customer satisfaction levels.

How Long Does Certification Take?

Dependent on a variety of diverse factors, ranging from organization size to existing practices, certification usually needs 3-6 months for small scale operations and 8-12 months for larger businesses.

Simple Steps Towards Halal Certification

Process of Halal Certification for Food and Non-Food Products

Clients fills Application Form:

Mention details about the company & products required to be Halal certified.

Proposal Acceptance & Payment of Certification fees:

Client accepts to the Terms & Conditions of the Contract & transfers the agreed Certification fees.

Client accepts proposal & sends certification fees to GSC:

Along with signed copy of legal Agreement + Use of Halal Mark undertaking.

Evaluation of the Ingredients/Raw Materials

Evaluation of the source & manufacturing process of all ingredients/raw materials/packaging material for traceability purpose, to determine its Halal statues from Shariah & Scientific perspective.

In certain case for additional traceability purpose, GSC may get the ingredient tested, to verify its Halal status, if required.

Stage 1 & Stage 2 – On-Site Audits

On-Site Audits shall be carried out by GSC auditors at the production facility. It’s a detailed inspection of the entire production facility including raw material storage; manufacturing process; packaging/filling area; finished products storage; dispatch, to verify the compliance with the applicable Halal Standards, as well as the detailed review of all Halal Food Management System documentation.

Decision Committee

The Audit Reports along with the Corrective Actions & its evidences from the client (if any) are submitted to the GSC Decision Committee, for final review and a decision on the Issuance of Halal Certificate.

**Halal Certificate Issued**