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The HFA is imploring, entreating, liaising, co-ordinating and inviting all concerned who provide, trade, manufacture or supply to be cognizant of the fact that if their product is obtained and manufactured in accordance to the Islamic Shari`ah, there is an infinite opportunity to trade in halal. Prior to ratification, endorsement and certification of halal, the Islamic covenants of honesty, cleanliness, virtuous conduct, good business codes as well as adherence to relevant health, food and hygiene laws is of paramount importance. Cohesion and compliance of Islamic requisites and provisions is also of similar significance.
The HFA does require the provider, manufacturer to enter into an “agreement and contract” so that it could be mutually beneficial. Manufacturer gains from enhanced trade and, Muslim community readily obtains what is required by their religious principles and axiom.
The HFA audit for endorsement purposes comprises of ingredients, method and process of manufacture, labelling, storage and most of all, method of sanitation, cleaning of equipment and compliance of the current HACCP food and hygiene laws in vogue. The HFA does not subscribe to have any Genetically Modified Food as part of our diet either as fresh, chilled or frozen food . Primarily because it has not yet been proved whether GM is in any way beneficial to consume and, secondly Islamic Fiqh (jurisprudence) is clearly directing us to eat only pure and wholesome food only. Science is very much divided on this issue and, it is wise to contemplate what ill-effects if any, usage of GM could have on human DNA and specially on our future generations. The HFA has found that many food manufacturers have decided to withdraw GM ingredients from their products.
To safeguard the integrity and protection of their own unique recipe development, anonymity of their own suppliers, their own product and brand name protection and, most of all in the interest of good business sense, the HFA is prepared to sign a Bond of Confidentiality with the providers of halal whence entering into a halal accreditation agreement.
©Halal Food Authority 2006
