5 Facts About Halal Auditing You Need to Know
As a Halal business entrepreneur who understands the value of Halal certification as a symbol of integrity, obtaining certification presents questions about what the key steps and requirements include. In this article, we will discuss the definition of Halal auditing and five key facts that will help you speed up your certification processes.
What is Halal Auditing?
Halal auditing is a systematic inspection procedure to ensure that your goods and services fulfill all the principles and criteria before certifying Halal. Halal products have become essential in the global market, serving Muslim and non-Muslim consumers who seek ethically sourced goods. Meanwhile, verifying that a product is genuinely Halal requires a detailed review of product ingredient documentation and facility production procedures through process flow charts and onsite observations and verifications thereof. To simplify the Halal auditing processes, we have compiled five significant facts you need to know for a smooth Halal certification experience.
Fact 1: Halal Audits are Not a One-Size-Fits-All
Halal audits are customized and differ based on the products to be certified. One major misconception is that Halal audits follow the same procedure regardless of the product or sector. However, the specific requirements, such as the source of ingredients, the method of production, and even the packaging, are reviewed and verified based on your product category. For example, certain aspects of the audit process for a meat producer will differ from that of a cosmetics manufacturer. Understanding this can help you better prepare for your audit and ensure that your business meets the exact standards required for your specific product.
Fact 2: Halal Audits Cater to Ethical Practices.
This is another crucial fact to understand. Halal auditing is more than what is permissible to eat, use, or recommend by religion. It also highlights your company's commitment to ethics and accountability. It values the well-being of customers and society. Auditors take note of how your company treats employees, its environmental effects, and your transparency with customers. The goal is to guarantee that your Halal certification meets the needs and concerns of your consumers while adhering to recognized global Halal compliance standards.
Fact 3: Documentation is Crucial
While auditors check your physical premises and operations for Halal compliance, they also verify paperwork. This comprises sourcing certifications, product and ingredient lists, reports, certificates of analysis, sources of origin and MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheets) statements, manufacturing procedures, personnel training records, and hygiene records. Detailed documentation provides evidence that each stage of your procedure complies with Halal certification regulations. Inconsistent paperwork can jeopardize your certification.
Fact 4: Auditors are Not a Threat.
Halal auditors are your business supporters. They are professional instructors who guide your company in identifying critical control points within your manufacturing processes and whether or how they may impact Halal certification standards and provide acceptable alternatives and solutions. Their goal is to enhance your understanding and commitment to Halal principles by following a clear audit compliance inspection agenda. Make the most of their visit by asking questions and addressing any areas of non-compliance. For more information about your Halal auditor, feel free to contact ISA.
Fact 5 Continuous Compliance is the Key
Halal certification is an ongoing process. Once you are certified, facility audits become an annual occurrence to ensure documentation is current and facility processes are still Halal compliant. In conclusion, Halal auditing is a detailed, but not difficult, process to verify the Halal status of your products and facilities before they are Halal certified and repeated annually to maintain their certification status. Remember, Halal certification is more than just a symbol; it is a sign of trust and integrity.
Islamic Services of America (ISA) is a leading USA-based Halal certification and auditing organization that has served companies, the community, and the Halal certification industry for 50 years. Contact ISA at isa@isahalal.com or send your initial inquiry to Halal certify your products via our website at https://isahalal.com/contact or visit the ISA website home page for more information at https://isahalal.com/
Writer's credit: Shakira Omolade Ahmed
picture credit: canva