The importance of halal certificates in the lives of Muslim consumers cannot be denied. This halal certificate is not only a guarantee of the halalness of a product, but also creates a sense of security and confidence in the minds of Muslim consumers. However, behind the existence of halal certificates, there are some misperceptions that are often overlooked and need to be clarified. What are they and what is the real information? So you don’t get the wrong idea, let’s see the full explanation here!
Overview of Halal Certificate
Halal certificate is an official document issued by the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) to state if a product has fulfilled Islamic law, both from raw materials and production processes. With this certificate, a product can be declared safe for consumption and free from haram ingredients. It can also ensure that the product is acceptable to Muslim consumers and meets the requirements of the growing halal market. There are several types of businesses that are required to have a halal certificate, including:
- Processing Industry (Food, Medicine, and Cosmetics
- Logistics Services
- Slaughterhouse
Many foreign or overseas food products have also applied for halal certificates for their businesses. In this case, halal has to do with a wide range of aspects. Some of them involve hygiene, business, international trade, markets, reputation, and other global issues.
Some Misperceptions about Halal Certificates
When a product has a halal certificate, every Muslim will certainly feel relieved in consuming and using it. But sometimes, there are misperceptions that accompany a product’s halalness. Here is the explanation:
Halal Certificate Validity Period
Many people think that if a brand already has a halal certificate, it will be halal forever. In fact, this document also has a validity period of four years. Within this period, business actors are responsible for maintaining product halalness by including halal labels, separating processing, storage, packaging, and distribution locations between halal and non-halal products, and reporting changes in composition to BPJPH. Three months before the validity period expires, business actors are advised to make an extension.
Halal Auto Ingredients Guarantee Halal Products?
Herbal products derived from natural ingredients are usually claimed as halal products. Likewise, products that do not contain raw materials from pigs and alcohol are also immediately interpreted as halal. Broadly speaking, it can be said so, but it could be that during the processing process alcohol is formed which can make the product not halal. An example is Angciu (known to the public as Chinese Arak). Angciu is made from glutinous rice, which is halal. However, it is then fermented and eventually contains about 15% alcohol. It is this high alcohol content that makes angciu non-halal. Therefore, halal certification is still required even if the product comes from herbal or vegetable raw materials. This makes it easier for people to find halal products from upstream to downstream.
Halal Variant Does Not Guarantee Overall Halal
Certain product brands usually have many variants. If one variant has a halal certificate, it does not mean that all products in the brand are also halal. For example, in a bakery; the bread sold is halal certified while the cakes sold still contain alcohol and rhum. Conditions like this cannot be said that the bakery brand is halal. Consumers must remain vigilant and check every variant of the product they buy.
‘Zero Alcohol’ is Definitely Halal?
A beverage or food product that says “zero alcohol” is not necessarily halal. For example, in 2008, one of the liquor producers produced a non-alcoholic drink called Cham’alal for Muslims who want to feel the sensation of champagne. Although zero alcohol, MUI cannot give halal certificate for a product that has a name resembling haram. The same goes for other products that claim to be zero alcohol but are not necessarily halal. READ ALSO:
Gacoan Noodle Halal Certificate Polemic, Because of Product Name?
Halal food and beverage products are not only free from alcohol but also free from other non-halal ingredients. Consumers should also always check other ingredients, such as the presence or absence of porcine, swine, pork or boar which is another term for pork.
Halal cosmetics are not necessarily valid for ablution
In halal cosmetics, what is halal is the product, not the nature of the product. This applies to all waterproof products, such as polish and mascara. These two products are safe and halal to use, but still, when doing wudhu, they must be removed first so that the wudhu water can directly contact the skin. This needs to be considered because sometimes consumers assume that when the cosmetic has a halal logo, it can be used at any time including during wudhu.
Code E on Food = Pork?
E-codes were once assumed to be codes for food additives (BTMs) derived from pork. This went viral on social media when a well-known ice cream brand wrote that one of the ingredients contained an E-code and it was assumed that the product contained lard. Actually, E stands for “Europe”. According to the UK Food Standard Agency, the E code is a code for food additives that have been reviewed by the European Union. The additives are used as emulsifiers, colorants, preservatives, acidifiers, etc. For example; codes E100-E199 are codes for food coloring while E200-E299 are codes for food preservatives. So, a product that has an E code in its composition does not mean that the product is haram. However, its halal status still depends on the raw materials and production process. These are some of the misconceptions that are often circulating in the community. As a business actor, it is important to have a deep understanding of halal certificates and ensure their correct use. This is the key for businesses to maintain reputation and business sustainability. Understanding the procedures for obtaining and extending halal certificates, checking raw materials and production processes, and being transparent in product information can help avoid misunderstandings that can harm the business image. Thus, businesses can ensure that halal certificates are not just a sign of formality, but an instrument that supports business integrity and sustainability in the growing halal market.
KH Contact
So as a business actor, do you fully understand the provisions including the procedures for obtaining a halal certificate? Or are you still confused and have many questions about this one document? Kontrak Hukum is ready to help!
READ ALSO: Baso A Fung Case and the Importance of Halal Certificate Commitment
As a digital legal platform, we provide solutions for businesses related to their business needs including the processing of halal certificates. No need to worry because the services at Kontrak Hukum are guaranteed safe and affordable. Let’s understand and take care of halal certificates by visiting the KH Services – Business Licensing page. If you have questions about other business needs, you can also contact us at Tanya KH or send a direct message (DM) to Instagram @Kontrakhukum.
