THE FACTS ABOUT HALAL FOOD IN THE PHILIPPINES

It looks delicious.. but is it halal? Knowing what is contained in food is crucial to knowing whether the food is halal or not. The question of halal status of food is one issue that raises common concern to all Muslims and other Halal Consumers to other part of the world.

Halal or haram? This question haunts every Muslims community

The most common issues that Muslims know about haram or halal food is: - anything without pork - anything that is slaughtered the Muslim way or Zabiha. Is this right? Are these the only things that Muslims should be aware of to make sure that their food is halal? No!. We must be wrong somewhere. Why? Because in this modern world, we now have thousands of new types of food that were not existent just a few decades ago, moreover a century ago. Thus we must look deeper into current facts... current realities. Of course our first guides to look into the haram and halal food issue is the Al-Quran and Al-Hadith ( sayings and way of life of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW).                                         

However, modern Islamic scholars ( Ulamas ) including the Halal Technical Experts have interpreted the Quran and Hadith to solve modern and current issues. One thing that many Muslims have forgotten is that to determine whether food is halal or not, it's not just what you see from the outside... it's what you don't see inside the food that is tricky. Thus, the issues of halal and haram often lay inside the food itself. What is in the food? Even if the food looks halal on the outside; cakes, ice cream, candy, toothpaste... it's what you don't see inside these food that make them still non-halal. What one common thing that is present inside all the above food and hundreds of other food that may make the food seem halal but is actually haram?

Halal-food certification gives companies access to Muslim consumers and helps Muslims in choosing their foods, assured that what they are buying is Halal without doubt!

For the consumer, the benefits of Halal certification are clear: knowing a product is Halal certified means they don’t have to bother checking all the ingredients. They can purchase the product with the assurance it does not contain anything that is haram or doubtful.

What about the producer? What benefits do they receive from Halal certification? Actually, the benefits for the producer are just as great.

For starters, they get the expertise of the Halal Technical Experts in reviewing their products, the ingredients, the preparation and processing and the hygiene and sanitation procedures. Of course, this is all done confidentially so there is no concern of competitors learning anything about the products.
The Halal Development Institute of the Philippines (HDIP)  has developed a documented procedure for producing Halal products. The procedure is consistent with HACCP and other quality assurance standards and is easily implemented. Halal Development Institute of the Philippines (HDIP) works with the producer every step of the way to make sure all questions are answered and the Halal procedures are integrated into the standard operating procedures. The Halal logo encircled with PHILIPPINES with three stars portrays the Halal authenticity!

Halal Development Institute of the Philippines (HDIP) was created last 2001 to assist and accredit several companies producing Halal  Halal Food and Non Food Product manufactured in the Philippines.

Prior to the creation of HDIP , due to the increase of the demand from Halal Consumers, it was observed that many certifiers came out and exploit the necessity of the manufacturers. These companies have to acquire and renew halal certification so that their product will penetrate and capture the Muslim Market locally and abroad. Competition among the Halal certifiers became deteriorating that they even blackmailing each other, there is even some press conference, forum being held and that they are accusing, blatantly denouncing each other and each group claim that they are the only credible and right group to engage in the Halal Activity.

The Halal Consumers and Halal manufacturers were aware of the situation and update of the Halal Industry in the Philippines. We don’t want to be called bogus or fake HCBs whereas before the creation of HDIP, some Halal Certifiers is issuing Halal Certification that is similar to the Certification made along the corridors of Recto Ave. and Quiapo Sts. Halal Certificate is made or being processed while you wait. A one-man office and single typewriter is operating along this street. A few minutes, Halal Certification is being issued to companies asking for certification and they paid ranging from Php 30,000.00 to Php 80,000.00.Sometime these certificates are signed by General Secretary and at the same time the Treasurer of the Halal Certifiers This is messy practice being observed that's why HDIP was created/initiated by us.

Halal Activity on food and non-food products is a religious concern of all Muslims and not by a single organization claiming to be a Religious group and Halal Authority. Halal certification is religious in nature and should be manage in accordance with the principle of Islamic Laws through the application of comprehensive HALAL ASSURANCE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM wherein this system adopt the uses of modern technology supervised and monitored by persons with technical know how.

We call on other groups not to exploit the Halal Manufacturers because nowadays, violations of Halal, which committed even by the so-called “HALAL AUTHORITIES” in the past, are indeed very disturbing and offensive to the teaching of Islam.

The Halal Development Institute of the Philippines would like to express its support to the Halal Certification Scheme that was spearheaded by JAKIM and that of World Halal Food Council. HDIP as one of the the leading Halal Certifying Bodies in the  Philippines have the credibility to handle and manage to halal certification and implement halal activity since they had been tested and have the technical capability and with the support of several religious group in the Philippines.

The Official Seal of the HDIP

The  HDIP  under the  supervision of  World Halal Food Council , JAKIM and of other reputable HALAL ACCREDITATION AUTHORITIES is committed to uplift the Moral and Cultural Heritage of the Muslim Filipinos, The composition of staffs and their roles is very significant due to their competency and reliability to run their office. You can reach HDIP at Tel Numbers (02)9944244 /Telefax (02)6338754  and send your e mail at hdiphilippines@gmail.com

Let us look forward and support the Halal Industry in the Philippines  for the benefit of Halal Consumers especially Muslim Ummah and the Country.
Visit our Website: www.hdiphilippineshalal.com