Industry News

rightHALALThe rapid growth and interest in food has attracted great attention from the entire food industry.HALALForum (WHF), GlobalHALALThe food and beverage trade is currently estimated to be around1.4trillion US dollars(Farouk, 2013)According to reports,worldwideHALALThe market currently accounts for16%, will account for20%of global food trade, with Asia, Africa and Europe accounting for63%、24%and10%(in der Spiegel et al., 2012)。

The growth of Muslim population and the increase of economic development and disposable income in Muslim countries areHALALThe main drivers of growth(in Farouk, 2013)According to statistics, the world's Muslim population is16.2100 million, accounting for2010Global69100 million people23.4%The Muslim population in Europe is currently estimated to be4410million, accounting for about2.7%, every year1.8%The rate of growth(in van der Spiegel et al.， 2012)。

Many survey-type studies have shown that75%of American Muslims and84%of French Muslims always eatHALALMeat. In addition to its religious value,HALALConsumer motivations behind food products stem from some universal principles of Islam: protecting life, protecting future generations, maintaining self-respect and integrity. Health, respect for animal welfare and a degree of cultural adaptation are also considered important drivers.(in Bonne and Verbeke, 2008)。

The need for standardization

Muslim consumers increasingly want and demand the use of guaranteedHALALA process-based quality assurance approach. This approach requires a formal certification and labeling strategy to assure consumersHALALThe quality and authenticity of our meats, while improving shopping convenience and selection.HALALCertification is not yet globally standardized, but its need is internationally recognized.HALALIn addition to its significance and consumers'“Quality Certification”In addition to recognition, it also provides reliable and independent certification, a method of proving claims.“for realHALAL”This has caused controversy among certification bodies and Muslim countries becauseHALALBroadly defined as the selection and effectiveness of shocking methods in animal slaughter.

Challenging process

HALALIt is a process that is dependent on customs and therefore difficult to control and guarantee. From the consumer’s perspective, it is difficult to evaluate and verify the product even after consuming it. Therefore, the consumer must rely heavily on the seller and/or trust the information provided on product labels to guide their purchases.HALALFor food, this trust in product labels will be all aboutHALALProcess attributes of food, including handling and safety. The latter relates to the effectiveness of the slaughter process, which results in complete exsanguination of the animal, thus ensuring blood——A potential source of bacterial contamination——are removed, resulting in healthier meat.

HALALThe concept of certification is20century60It was proposed by Muslim food and technology experts in the United States in the mid-1990s as a necessary safety measure for Muslims living in non-Muslim societies, with the aim of maintaining their Muslim identity and fulfilling their customs.HALALQuality standards were originally intended to cover the supply and manufacture of processed foods, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and medical products. However, they have gradually expanded to coverHALALProduct logistics services.HALALThe concept of logistics is no longer limited to food or other products, but covers the processes of processing, packaging, storage, transportation and distribution.HALALCertification is considered to be the entry into the globalHALALMarket prerequisites, helping companies meet local needs, expand markets, increase sales and revenue(Mathew et al., 2014; Noordin et al., 2014)。

EU legal background

Under EU law(EC/93/119andEC/1099/2009,At2013Year1moon1Effective Date)Stunning before slaughter is a mandatory requirement in Europe to ensure that animals are unconscious and that slaughter does not cause them anxiety, pain, suffering or distress. This legislation has caused great controversy among Muslims, who are concerned that stunning kills animals before slaughter. In many EU countries, religious slaughter is exempt from stunning, in accordance with Article 1 of the European Convention on Human Rights.9Therefore, in licensed slaughterhouses or during religious festivals, slaughter is carried out without stunning to ensure that the animals are healthy and have not been harmed before slaughter. What constitutes this conflict?“for realHALAL”This, in turn, hinders globalHALALThe development of standards hinders harmony. For example, the Malaysian standards2009The revision originally defined stunning as“Not recommended”Despite these differences, both methods are popular with major UK retailers, who sell meat from both pre-stunned and unstunned animals in response to customer demand.

Choose the rightHALALCertification

It is estimated that there are currently about122HomeHALALCertification bodies, including those in Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand and the PhilippinesHALALSome of these certification bodies are non-profit organizations, government agencies, private for-profit enterprises, and individuals. There are also reports that in this case, some groups and individuals have to certify their own products. In addition to reputation, importing countries(Such as Malaysia, Indonesia, UAE, etc.)In addition to the recognition and acceptance ofChaudryandRiaz(2014)Also confirmedHALALProgram andHALALImportant criteria for selecting a certification body are as follows:

1.  Resource availability: Responsiveness in processing paperwork; timely provision of Muslim inspectors to the factory; annual routine inspections at the prescribed frequency

2.  Willing to work with the company to solve problems

3.  Able to clearly explain theirHALALStandards and Fee Structure

4.  Agent'sHALALWhether the standard meets the company's needs in the market; refers to the degree of acceptance among consumers and importers