WHAT IS HALAL FOOD CERTIFICATION?

• Muslims choose to eat halal food because it meets requirements that they believe make it suitable for consumption. Halal originates from rules set out in the Qur’an and the Hadith (the Prophet Muhammad’s example), which have been followed throughout generations of Islamic practice.
• As a concept, halal does not only pertain to food. Halal means “permissible” and can refer to any aspect of life covered by the teachings of Islam.
• Halal is a part of sharia as a system of morals to guide Muslims’ actions and behavior, but this should not be confused with halal as part of a codified system of sharia law. Halal prescriptions might be considered by observant Muslims to be religious obligations, but Australia is a secular country and halal forms no part of any Australian law.
• As with many aspects of Islamic practice, the definition of halal food is a contested issue. For example, there is disagreement within the Muslim community about whether stunning animals before slaughter produces halal meat. Both sides draw on Islamic teachings and traditions to support their positions. Disputes such as this highlight why halal certification is important for Muslim consumers.

WHY IS HALAL CERTIFICATION NEEDED?

Halal certification is needed in whole world for two key reasons.

• Firstly, certification helps local Muslims decide which products to buy. Modern food processing and globalized markets make it hard for Muslims in Non-Muslim countries to know how their food was produced and where it has come from. To get around this uncertainty, consumers who want to buy halal food need a system that checks whether products meet the requirements of being halal.
• In this sense, halal certification is similar to any type of food certification and audit system. Whether it be halal food certification services help consumers to make informed decisions about the food they eat.
• The second reason has to do with trade. With the global halal food trade estimated at A$1.75 trillion annually, Muslim markets provide a lucrative opportunity for other countries’ companies. If companies want to export their products to those markets, they need to have halal certification.

FOOD PRODUCT CERTIFICATION

• Specialty food product certifications are critical to keeping up with evolving consumer and regulatory requirements. GIC International offers a wide range of food product certification, testing and auditing services to meet your food labeling needs.

Consumers today are increasingly discriminating about the food they eat. Concerns about the ecological and health consequences of genetically engineered organisms (GMOs) and industrial agricultural practices are fueling a consumer trend towards non-GMO and organic foods. The incidence of food allergies is on the rise, making proper food allergen labelling essential. Geographical indications and quality labels are key to differentiating and demonstrating the premium quality of your products.

GIC International, testing and auditing solutions support food industry players in addressing these challenges. From PDO, PGI and Label Rouge, to non-GMO, gluten-free and allergen labels, food product certifications enhance your brand image and market access.

COSMETIC PRODUCT CERTIFICATION

• Specialty food product certifications are critical to keeping up with evolving consumer and regulatory requirements. GIC International offers a wide range of food product certification, testing and auditing services to meet your food labeling needs.

Consumers today are increasingly discriminating about the food they eat. Concerns about the ecological and health consequences of genetically engineered organisms (GMOs) and industrial agricultural practices are fueling a consumer trend towards non-GMO and organic foods. The incidence of food allergies is on the rise, making proper food allergen labelling essential. Geographical indications and quality labels are key to differentiating and demonstrating the premium quality of your products.

GIC International, testing and auditing solutions support food industry players in addressing these challenges. From PDO, PGI, and Label Rouge, to non-GMO, gluten-free, and allergen labels, food product certifications enhance your brand image and market access.