Moros have reason to celebrate as Muftis launch ARMM Halal certification standards
text & photos HADER GLANG

Moro folks perform the Zabiha – hand slaughtered in accordance with Islamic Law. The butcher recites “Bismillah. Allahu Akbar" (In the name of Allah. God is Great) over a cow before its jugular veins are quickly severed. This ritualistic slaughter is required in order for the meat to be considered Halal.

Observant Muslims in the country have reason to celebrate as the influential and respected Muftis from the provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Sulu, Basilan and Tawi-Tawi finally launched the Halal certification standards.

Muslim scholars who interpret the Shari’ah law approved the “Technical Guidelines and Manual of Operation of the Autonomous region in Muslim Mindanao Halal Accreditation and Certification Board” a week ago and will start operations next month.

Ustadz Mohammad Inju, chairman of the Halal Certification Board, said the activation of the Halal certifying body would protect Muslims from food fraudulently labeled “halal,” or permissible under Muslim dietary laws.

This also provides guidance on slaughtering, preparing, processing, handling, packaging, distribution and serving of Halal food, according to Inju.

“Finally, we have reason to celebrate,” ARMM Trade and Industry Secretary Ishak Mastura said, as he urged the poultry exporters to employ the services of Halal certification board to access the multi-billion dollar international halal industry.

With the activation of Halal certification standards, Mastura said food companies will be able to produce Halal food and non-food products locally “thus encouraging owners of grocery stores and supermarkets to specialize in Islamic foods.”

Halal certification is the system of determining what is permissible for consumption of Muslims under Shari’ah law. Its seal marked on labels of food and non-food products will inform Muslim consumers that the product is free from pork, lard from swine and alcohol.

By food safety standards, halal is considered a quality control system by itself that puts emphasis on critical control points involving hygienic and disease-free preparation of foods from farm to plate.

For meat or poultry to be considered halal, it must comply with exacting Islamic standards.The live animals must have been fed natural feed such as grasses, cereals or corn free of hormones, blood, meat or enzymes obtained from any animal.

The Philippine government wants ARMM in its medium term development plan as center for the Halal industry. The region's development is expected to benefit from the international Halal food industry with estimated value of $580 billion per year. (ZS)