Halal-Certified Products, Definition, List in India and Ban in UP

The Uttar Pradesh government banned halal-certified products on November 18, 2023. This ban applies to all halal-certified food products and medicines, including those for export. The ban covers the production, storage, distribution, and sale of these products.

Halal certification is a process that ensures that a food product or ingredient is permissible for consumption according to Islamic law. This includes ensuring that the food does not contain any prohibited ingredients and that it has been prepared in accordance with Islamic guidelines.

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What is ‘Halal Certification’?

Halal certification is a process that ensures that a product or service complies with Islamic Law. It guarantees that the food is prepared in accordance with Islamic law and is unadulterated. It also ensures that the product does not include any “forbidden” components, and has not been in contact with any substances or objects considered “impure”.

Halal certification is mainly applied to meat products and other food products such as milk, canned food, and additives. It also applies to the cosmetic and pharmaceutical sectors.

In India, halal certification is usually provided by a third-party body. Some private companies that provide halal certification in India include: MTR, Venky’s, Sufi, and McDonald’s.

What is Halal-Certified product?

Halal-certified products are products that are prepared in accordance with Islamic law and are suitable for consumption by Muslims. The term “halal” is Arabic for “permissible”. Halal certification applies to the following sectors: Food, Cosmetics, Pharmaceuticals.
Halal certification guarantees that the food is prepared adhering to the Islamic law and is unadulterated. It also attests that a product does not include any “forbidden” components, and has in no way been in contact with any substances or objects considered “impure”.

Halal-Certified Products Ban in UP

The Uttar Pradesh government banned the production, storage, distribution, and sale of halal-certified products in the state on Saturday, November 18. The ban went into effect immediately. The ban includes food, medicines, and cosmetic items. However, products manufactured for export are exempt from the restrictions.

The government stated that the ban was imposed in the interest of public health and to prevent confusion. An official spokesperson also claimed that the halal tag was being used to spread “propaganda” and “exploit religious sentiment”.

Halal products are those that are defined as “permissible” by Islamic law. They are usually identified by the letter M. Halal-certified logo- Muslim councils or Halal supervision boards authorize companies to print the “Halal-certified” logo on their packaging.

The government’s decision to ban halal-certified products has sparked debates and discussions about religious preferences, business practices, and the perceived impact on societal unity.

Halal certification in India

Halal certification in India serves as documentation affirming a product or service’s adherence to Islamic dietary laws. It ensures that the food is prepared in accordance with Islamic principles and is free from adulteration.

Typically, halal certification in India is applicable to the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical sectors. While it is commonly associated with meat products, it also extends to various food items like milk, as well as food additives.

In India, third-party bodies, including many private companies, are involved in providing halal certification. The certification process incurs certain costs, encompassing consignment certification charges for non-meat products, auditor expenses per man-day, and professional fees.

However, a recent development in the most populous state of India, Uttar Pradesh, involves the prohibition of the distribution and sale of Halal-certified products. This ban was prompted by a police case against a company and several other organizations accused of “exploiting people’s religious sentiments” to enhance sales through the issuance of allegedly “forged” halal certificates.

Who issues Halal Certificate?

In India, various third-party entities, including Halal India Private Limited, HALAL Certification Services India Private Limited, Jamiat Ulama-E-Maharashtra, and Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind HALAL Trust, issue Halal certification to companies and products. Certification is granted to products sourced acceptably and slaughtered according to Islamic law. Halal foods adhere to Islamic cleanliness standards in production, processing, and storage, ensuring they are free from prohibited components. Notable Halal-certified food brands in India include MTR, Venky’s, Sufi, and McDonald’s.

Halal-Certified Products List in India

Halal certification in India- Several companies in India offer halal-certified products, ensuring compliance with Islamic dietary laws. Some notable examples include:

• Hindustan Unilever Limited
• Kwality Foods
• Amul Fed Dairy
• Dabur India Ltd
• Desai Foods
• Milky Mist Dairy Food
• Mother Dairy
• Nestle India
• ITC Ltd
• Britannia Industries

Halal-Certified Products List in India– Additionally, other brands and products in India that have obtained halal certification encompass:

• MTR
• Venky’s
• Sufi
• McDonald’s
• Godrej Real Good Chicken Breast Boneless

Halal products span a range of categories, including dairy products, seafood, nuts, and seeds. Typically, these products are labeled with the letter “M” to signify their halal status. Authorization from Muslim councils or Halal supervision boards allows companies to display the “Halal-certified” logo on their packaging, providing assurance to consumers who seek products in adherence to Islamic dietary guidelines.

Halal-Certified Products Means

Halal-certified products are those that have been prepared in accordance with Islamic law and are suitable for consumption by Muslims. The term “halal” is Arabic for “permissible”.  Halal certification applies to the following sectors: Food, Cosmetics, Pharmaceuticals.

Halal certification ensures that products:

• Are manufactured in compliance with Islamic law
• Do not contain any “forbidden” components
• Have not come into contact with any substances or objects considered “impure”
• Meet the requirements of Islamic law

In India, halal certification is usually provided by a third-party body.

Some examples of halal-certified foods include:

1. Certified meat and poultry
2. Seafood
3. Nuts
4. Eggs
5. Peanut butter
6. Tofu
7. Halal deli meats
8. Legumes

Halal-Certified logo

The Halal logo is a bright green and white circular badge with the white words “Halal” in uppercase. The logo can be placed above or below the same inscription in Arabic.

The Halal logo can be used on all communication tools for organizations that have been granted Halal Certification. This includes: Letterheads, Business cards, Marketing materials, Videos, Websites, Advertising, Exhibition graphics.

Halal-Certified Products UPSC

The Uttar Pradesh government’s prohibition of halal-certified products, effective November 18, encompasses the entire lifecycle of these goods, spanning production, storage, distribution, and sale. This ban, applicable to food, medicines, and cosmetics, excludes products designated for export. The government cites public health interests and a desire to prevent misinformation and religious sentiment exploitation as motivations for the ban. In India, halal certification, typically provided by third-party entities like Halal India Private Limited and HALAL Certification Services India Private Limited, ensures adherence to Islamic dietary laws. The contentious move has spurred discussions on religious preferences, business practices, and potential societal impacts, prompting debates across the country.

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