[This article which appeared in "the House Magazine, the parliamentary weekly, no. 1189, vol 31, Oct 9 2006"]

There comes a time whence we should ponder and analyse without propensity of conceit the achievements of an organisation like Halal Food Authority. Doing just that, we find that in over a decade the word halal has been put in the domain of both Muslims and non-Muslims. Procurers and consumers of halal meat and foods now know what is permissible and how to cater for it, how the authentication and endorsement is accorded for halal meat, poultry, foodstuffs and its ingredients, additives and preservatives. HFA modus operandi of contractual dealing, audits, inspections, researches into scientific methods, insistance of compliance of meat and food hygiene rules, HACCP together with food safety rules and adherence with Islamic jurisprudence and relevant European food regulations has proven to be a success. In fact it would be corollary to note that the HFA logo has become a symbol of authenticity of halal nationally and internationally.

Participating supermarkets and other outlets are displaying on dedicated counters, meat and poultry that has been audited and halal validated at slaughtering stations and, foodstuffs that have been checked by HFA from ingredients to the manufacturing methods in accordance with the axioms of the Islamic dietary rules. Not only the Muslims are reaping the benefit, we see that members of other faiths and persuasions are enjoying the delicacies and acclaimed halal recipes.

Equipped with amended animal feed regulations, slaughtering rules along with packaging and labelling laws, efforts are now in progress to allure the Muslim consumers to organic meat and foodstuffs with a slogan “eat less and eat wisely”. Consumption of organic foods would not only mean that the food is natural, it would also circumvent plausibility of indulging in something that might be in contravention of Shari`ah. Despite the fact that organic tends to be inordinate to purchase now, supply and demand would surely redress it.

At times there have been adverse challenges to halal definition from different creed and believes. For example, should mechanised slaughtering system be used or not, should one cogitate slaughtering animals subsequent to immobilisation or controlled electrical stunning. When alcohol is not alcohol, and how far scientific system of production should be condoned. The fact remains, what is halal in London must be deemed halal in Jakarta, Chicago, Kuala Lumpur, Melbourne and Jeddah. For this reason HFA has a reciprocal arrangement with food authenticating establishments abroad to avow and recognise each others’ authentication of halal. Islam seeks progress and persons who, fill reams of books, to mirror Qur`anic covenants onto science should refrain from flagrant injustice of preaching not to make technology subservient for Muslim usage.

The question in the twenty first century is, how to adapt trends of consuming yields from intensive farming methods and, how to address the issue of cloning animals. Would a bird or animal that is the product of cloning method and not delivered from the natural way of reproductive cycle, be classified as halal? Cardinal decisions without pecuniary interests have to be taken, lest these issues become recalcitrant to thwart the discord in the global Muslim community.

Clamour of indifference is ubiquitous whenever the word halal is mentioned. This is usually from the section that has mastered conjectural theoretical knowledge and is not erudite in practical operational field. What is needed is uniformity in axiom, being unison in operation, cognition of the salient work done by reputable establishments in validation of halal in countries that were not partial to the word halal in the first place and, will to adopt technological advancements of production and procurement.

Acknowledgment and credits are due to EU law drafting machinery, various DEFRA departments and in particular to Food Standards Agency Officials who have enabled Muslims in the UK and other EU member countries, to facilitate themselves with halal regulated meat, poultry and foodstuffs. HFA is always beholden to procurers of halal for facilitating Muslims to enjoy what is required by their dietary rules. Perhaps one day the Muslims would take the baton of responsibility of becoming a copious supply chain for themselves.

Masood Khawaja
President
Halal Food Authority
109 Fulham Palace Road
London W6 8JA
www.halalfoodauthority.com

4th October 2006

©Halal Food Authority 2006