Jakim: Halal ingredients don't mean product is halal-certified

Summary

• Jakim says only halal-certified products meeting strict standards can use the halal label.

• The department says KK Mart’s ham and cheese sandwiches misused the halal logo, and the product lacks proper certification.

• Jakim adds that legal action has been taken and reminds businesses to follow halal certification rules.

Although a supplier may have a halal certificate for their ingredients, this does not automatically qualify a product as halal-certified.

According to Islamic Development Department (Jakim) director Sirajuddin Suhaimee, no product or service can be labelled halal unless it has been certified by the Malaysian Halal Certification Authority.

“A product can only be certified halal by the authority after it meets the standard and procedure of Malaysian halal certification, encompassing all aspects of handling, preparation and processing,” he said in a statement posted on Jakim’s Facebook page.

The issue began on Jan 10 when Pembina Universiti Malaya (UM), a student group linked to Ikatan Muslimin Malaysia (ISMA), posted a video raising concerns about ham and cheese sandwiches sold at KK Mart outlets on campus.

It gained more attention on Jan 12 when Umno Youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh criticised KK Mart, questioning how ham could be halal.

The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry raided the factory on Jan 10 and found that the halal logo on the packaging was certified for a different company that had ceased operations.

Shake and Bake Cafe Sdn Bhd, the manufacturer, clarified that Jakim halal-certified the sandwich ingredients - bread, cheese, and chicken slices.

However, they did not explain why Jakim’s halal logo was used on the packaging without proper certification.

READ MORE: KINIGUIDE| Are ham and cheese sandwiches halal?

Referring to a report by Berita Harian, Sirajuddin confirmed that the ham and cheese sandwich in question lacked halal certification, and the company producing it was not certified either.

Additionally, Sirajudin said following the joint inspection with the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry on Jan 10, legal action was taken under the Trade Descriptions (Certification and Marking of Halal) Order 2011.

Concluding, Sirajuddin reminded business operators to adhere to existing regulations.

 “This is to prevent such issues from recurring,” he said briefly.

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