News From : DagangHalal.com (19 Oct 2009)
The head of the Muslim food certifier group in Negros has reiterated his call for businesses to grab the opportunity of reaching the Islamic market by working for their products to be accredited as Halal.
Imam Omar Betita, overall chairperson of the DAR AL-DHIKR Islamic Call and Guidance Center/Halal Certifier, in letter to the DAILY STAR, urged food processors, manufacturers, and other food entrepreneurs to have their outputs certified.
Halal is an Arabic word that means lawful or legal under Islamic laws.
Recently, Betita said their center has certified the C.L. HERBAL PRODUCTS, of Casimero Gallego III in Purok Paghidaet, Mansilingan, Bacolod City .
The certification process included a visit of a Halal team to the facilities of the food producer or seller to assess its adherence to standards like the non-usage of pork fat and the proper slaughtering of animals, among others.
Betita emphasized that Halal certification is made to assure the good health of people and to find more markets share of Halal products in the Philippines country and the Middle East .
He added that the Muslim consumer base worldwide is estimated to between 1.5 and 1.8 billion spread over 100 countries, with Southeast Asia and the Middle East as the largest markets.
Halal certifiers have said that accredited businesses also increase their consumer reach aside from Muslims because the Halal mark has become a seal of product quality and safety even for other religions.*PP