Are you an entrepreneur who holds halaal values, but doesn’t know exactly how to ensure your establishment is halaal compliant? Perhaps, you want to tap into the muslim consumer market. Whatever the reason is, you can become halaal compliant.
The requirements include ensuring that your business obtains halaal certification. This certification serves as proof that you comply with Islamic ethical standards and dietary laws.
In this article, we’ll explore all that you need to know to run a Halaal-compliant business.
What Does It Mean to Be Halaal Compliant?
When a business is halaal compliant, they follow what is permissible in Islamic law. In the context of halaal, the rules typically refer to food and drinks.
What do Islamic Dietary Laws Entail?
In accordance with Islamic dietary restrictions, items that are prohibited are known as haram. The differences between halaal and haram are distinguished in religious belief, spiritual purity, and ethical use. The differences between the two also determine what is lawful and unlawful in Islamic law.
Which Foods are Haram?
Foods that are haram are those that aren’t permitted with Islamic dietary restrictions:
- Intoxicants: Beverages that contain alcohol and other intoxicating substances.
- Pork: Pork and any pork derivative are not permitted in Islam.
- Carnivores with fangs: Animals with fangs are seen as predators and aren’t allowed according to Islamic dietary laws.
- Blood: It is prohibited to consume blood or any food with blood.
- Dead meat: This refers to the consumption of animals that were not slaughtered through Islamic procedure. This kind of meat is strictly prohibited.
- Foods dedicated to idols: Foods that have not been dedicated to Allah but dedicated to idols or other deities and gods.
- Cross-contaminated products: If halaal foods come into contact with haram foods, they become contaminated, making them haram.
South African Halaal Certification Bodies
In South Africa, halaal certification is managed by independent Islamic organisations. These bodies assess businesses for compliance with Islamic dietary laws. Certification involves audits and inspections. Ongoing compliance monitoring is also required.
South African National Halaal Authority (SANHA)
The South African National Halaal Authority (SANHA) is a non-profit organisation. It provides halaal certification services across South Africa. SANHA certifies food products, food outlets, abattoirs, and manufacturing facilities.
The certification process includes evaluating ingredients. Suppliers are reviewed during the assessment. Food handling practices are inspected. Storage and preparation methods are examined. Measures to prevent cross-contamination are required. SANHA conducts periodic inspections after certification.
Halaal Accreditation Council of Africa (HACSA)
The Halaal Accreditation Council of Africa (HACSA) is an accreditation body. It evaluates halaal certification organisations. HACSA does not primarily certify businesses directly.
Accreditation by HACSA confirms that a certification body follows recognised halaal standards. It also confirms procedural consistency.
National Independent Halaal Trust (NIHT)
The National Independent Halaal Trust (NIHT) is a halaal certification body in South Africa. It certifies food manufacturers, restaurants, caterers, and retailers.
NIHT assesses raw materials during certification. Production processes are reviewed. Slaughter methods are evaluated where applicable. Hygiene standards are inspected. Segregation between halaal and non-halaal items is required. Certification includes audits and compliance checks.
Shura Halaal
Shura Halaal is a South African halaal certification authority. It certifies food outlets and manufacturers. Service providers may also be certified.
The certification process includes ingredient inspection. Food preparation methods are reviewed. Storage facilities are examined. Supply chains are assessed. Regular monitoring may be conducted.
Islamic Council of South Africa (ICSA)
The Islamic Council of South Africa (ICSA) is a religious organisation. It is involved in Islamic affairs. Halaal certification is one of its functions.
ICSA certifies businesses that meet Islamic dietary requirements. The process includes ingredient reviews. Production methods are assessed. Slaughter and handling practices are evaluated where applicable.
Ten Steps to Be Halaal Compliant
1. Know Where Halaal Applies
Identify which parts of your business fall under Islamic dietary rules. This includes ingredients, handling, and preparation.
2. Check All Ingredients
Review every ingredient, including additives and flavourings. Unverified sources are not acceptable.
3. Confirm Supplier Compliance
Use suppliers that can prove halaal sourcing or certification.
4. Prevent Cross-Contamination
Keep halaal and non-halaal items separate in storage, preparation, and equipment use.
5. Control Preparation Methods
Do not share cooking surfaces or oils with non-halaal food unless approved cleaning procedures are in place.
6. Train Staff
Ensure staff understand halaal handling and daily compliance requirements.
7. Select a Certification Body
Apply through a recognised South African halaal authority.
8. Pass Inspection
Prepare for audits covering ingredients, processes, and staff practices.
9. Maintain Standards
Report changes to suppliers or processes. Expect follow-up inspections.
10 Use Certification Correctly
Display a valid halaal certification only while it is active.
Are you an entrepreneur who holds halaal values, but doesn’t know exactly how to ensure your establishment is halaal compliant? Perhaps, you want to tap into the muslim consumer market. Read More
