HAC Sri Lanka Signs MOU with Thailand’s Halal Science Center

Halal Assessment Council: Formal Signing of the MOU

The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding was conducted in the presence of key figures from both Sri Lanka and Thailand. Professor Dr. Winai Dahlan, Founding Director of the Halal Science Center at Chulalongkorn University in Thailand, and Mr. Aakif A. Wahab, Director and CEO of the Halal Assessment Council of Sri Lanka, were the primary signatories. Their commitment to further strengthening ties between the two institutions underscores the importance of this partnership in advancing Halal certification standards, particularly in ensuring the quality and authenticity of Halal products destined for international markets, including the GCC countries.

Presentation of the MOU

The MOU was presented in a formal ceremony, with Mr. Aakif A. Wahab personally handing over the signed document to Her Excellency Mrs. E.A.S. Wijayanthi Edirisinghe, the Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to Thailand. The ceremony also underscored the diplomatic support behind this collaboration, with various dignitaries in attendance, including Her Excellency Mrs. Hala Youssef Ahmed Ragab, Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to Thailand, and several other international delegates. The presence of such high-ranking officials demonstrated the global significance of this partnership in the broader context of Halal certification and consumer trust.

Utilization of Advanced Halal Testing Services

One of the key elements of this agreement is the focus on the commercial utilization of the advanced testing services provided by the Halal Science Center. These testing services are essential for ensuring that Sri Lankan Halal-certified products meet the stringent requirements of international markets, particularly those in the GCC region. The services offered by the Halal Science Center include ethanol content testing, porcine detection, and other critical analyses that verify the authenticity and safety of Halal products. Such testing is vital for maintaining the trust of consumers and ensuring that products labeled as Halal are free from prohibited substances.

Halal Science Center’s Role in the 2019 Crisis

The collaboration between the Halal Assessment Council and the Halal Science Center is not new. It builds upon a foundation of mutual support that dates back several years. One of the most notable examples of this support occurred in 2019, during a time of crisis in Sri Lanka. Allegations surfaced that imported full-cream milk powder, a product widely consumed across the country, was contaminated with pork fat and palm oil. These allegations caused widespread concern among consumers, many of whom rely on Halal-certified products for their dietary needs. In response to this crisis, the Halal Science Center stepped in to provide accredited testing of market samples, playing a pivotal role in dispelling the rumors and restoring consumer confidence.

Testing Results Provide Consumer Reassurance

The results of the testing conducted by the Halal Science Center confirmed that the milk powder in question was not contaminated, providing much-needed assurance to Sri Lankan consumers. This intervention highlighted the crucial role that scientific testing plays in the Halal certification process, not only in verifying product authenticity but also in protecting the trust that consumers place in Halal-certified products. The success of this intervention strengthened the relationship between the two institutions and laid the groundwork for the formalized partnership that has now been solidified with the signing of the MOU.

Tour of the Halal Forensic Science Laboratory

In addition to the signing of the MOU, the Sri Lankan delegation and other international delegates were given a tour of the Halal Forensic Science Laboratory at Chulalongkorn University. This state-of-the-art facility is at the forefront of Halal scientific research and testing, with capabilities that include cutting-edge technologies for detecting prohibited substances in food and consumer goods. The laboratory’s research and testing capabilities are essential for ensuring that Halal-certified products meet the highest standards of safety and integrity. The tour provided the delegates with an opportunity to witness firsthand the advanced scientific methodologies being employed by the Halal Science Center, further underscoring the importance of this partnership.

International Significance of the Partnership

The presence of dignitaries from Egypt and Pakistan at the signing ceremony and laboratory tour also highlighted the international dimension of this collaboration. Halal certification is not merely a national or regional issue; it is a global concern, with implications for trade, consumer trust, and religious observance. The partnership between the Halal Assessment Council of Sri Lanka and the Halal Science Center of Thailand exemplifies the kind of cross-border collaboration that is necessary to uphold the integrity of the Halal certification process in an increasingly interconnected world.

Impact on Sri Lankan Halal-Certified Products

This MOU is expected to have far-reaching implications for the Halal certification industry, particularly in Sri Lanka. The commercial utilization of the Halal Science Center’s testing services will enable Sri Lanka to enhance the quality of its Halal-certified products, making them more competitive in international markets. This is particularly important for products destined for the GCC region, where consumers place a high premium on the authenticity and quality of Halal products. By leveraging the advanced testing capabilities of the Halal Science Center, Sri Lankan exporters will be able to provide greater assurance to their customers, thereby increasing demand for their products in these key markets.

Benefits to Global Consumers

Moreover, this partnership will also benefit consumers in Sri Lanka and beyond. By ensuring that Halal-certified products undergo rigorous scientific testing, the Halal Assessment Council and the Halal Science Center are helping to protect the integrity of the Halal certification process. This, in turn, helps to maintain consumer trust in the Halal label, which is essential for the continued growth of the Halal market. In a world where consumers are increasingly concerned about food safety and authenticity, partnerships like this one play a crucial role in ensuring that Halal-certified products meet the highest standards.

Future of Halal Certification

The signing of the MOU also reflects a broader trend in the Halal industry, where scientific testing and verification are becoming increasingly important. As the global Halal market continues to grow, so too does the need for rigorous testing to ensure that products meet the necessary religious and safety standards. The collaboration between the Halal Assessment Council and the Halal Science Center is a prime example of how scientific expertise can be harnessed to strengthen the Halal certification process and ensure that consumers can trust the products they purchase.

Strengthened Collaboration for Halal Integrity

In conclusion, the partnership between the Halal Assessment Council of Sri Lanka and the Halal Science Center at Chulalongkorn University in Thailand represents a significant step forward in the field of Halal certification. By formalizing their collaboration through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding, these two institutions have laid the groundwork for a future of enhanced cooperation and mutual support. The commercial utilization of the Halal Science Center’s advanced testing services will not only benefit Sri Lankan exporters but also help to protect the integrity of the Halal certification process on a global scale. This partnership is a testament to the power of international collaboration in ensuring that Halal-certified products meet the highest standards of safety, authenticity, and consumer trust.