Govt Sets New Standard For Halal Products

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 21 (Bernama) -- The government continues to take on a proactive approach to meet demands from Muslim consumers by setting a new standard for halal (permissible in Islam) products, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said today.

He said besides the Standard MS 1500:2004 for the production, preparation, handling and storing of halal food which was being reviewed, the government would also introduce a new standard for cosmetic and personal care products.

"The Standard Cosmetic and Personal Care - General Guidelines is in the process for gazetting by the science, technology and innovation ministry.

"The standard for halal cosmetic products is introduced on the government's awareness that Muslim consumers are concerned over the presence of many cosmetic products in the market which do not have the halal logo.

"By setting the standard, Muslim consumers will feel safe to use the products," he said in response to a question by Salahuddin Ayub (PAS-Kubang Kerian) on standards for halal products in the Dewan Rakyat here.

Ahmad Zahid said halal standards for other products were also being developed, especially for products made from animal skin, fur, bones, nail, teeth and horns, logistic service and also chemical, herbal and pharmaceutical products.

To a supplementary question by Salahuddin on meat produced from cloning technology, Ahmad Zahid said the government was working with the United States Food and Drugs Administration (USFDA), several food manufacturers in China, governments of Asean member countries and several laboratories in Europe for more information on the matter.

The Halal Development Corporation (HDC) laboratory in Cyberjaya serves as the centre for scientific researches, especially in matters concerning genetic engineering.

"We have a 'syarak' and 'fatwa' advisory committee which sits with the scientists to look into the matter," he added.

Meanwhile, in a press conference at the Parliament Lobby, Ahmad Zahid said since officers from the Halal Unit of the Islamic Development Department were absorbed into HDC, 525 halal certificates had been issued since June this year, with 10 of the certificates issued for products produced by international companies.

BERNAMA