Malaysian Authorities Raid Facility for Mixing Halal and Non-Halal Frozen Foods

SANDAKAN: The Sandakan Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) executed a significant raid on a local supermarket on Friday, uncovering the improper storage of pork and halal frozen food products in the same cold storage facility. The operation, which commenced at 10:50 a.m., was conducted in collaboration with the Sandakan Sabah Veterinary Services Department (DVS) following a tip-off. This raid underscores the critical importance of maintaining a strict separation between halal and non-halal products to uphold food safety and religious compliance standards.

Seized Halal Frozen Food

During the raid, authorities seized a total of 1,016 kilograms of frozen products, including chicken nuggets, cheese, butter, fruits, and pork, with an estimated value of RM10,686.80. This incident is being investigated under Order 3 of the Trade Description (Definition of Halal) Order 2011. If convicted, the penalties for the company could be severe, with fines of up to RM5 million for the first offense and up to RM10 million for subsequent offenses. Individuals found guilty could face fines up to RM1 million or imprisonment for up to three years, or both, for a first offense. For subsequent offenses, the penalties increase to fines up to RM5 million or imprisonment for up to five years, or both.

Importance of Halal Certification Compliance

Halal certification is a critical aspect of the food industry, especially in countries with significant Muslim populations. Halal, which means “permissible” in Arabic, refers to food products that meet Islamic dietary laws. The mixing of non-halal products, such as pork, with halal products in storage or preparation areas can lead to contamination and is strictly prohibited. This raid underscores the importance of adhering to halal certification standards to maintain consumer trust and comply with legal requirements.

Continuous Monitoring and Inspections

Azdy, a representative from KPDN Sandakan, emphasized the ministry’s commitment to ongoing inspections and monitoring of premises selling frozen products. This vigilance is essential to ensure that traders comply with the Trade Description (Definition of Halal) Order 2011. By maintaining rigorous standards, authorities aim to protect consumers and uphold the integrity of the halal certification system.

The Broader Impact on the Halal Frozen Food Market

The halal frozen food market is a rapidly growing segment of the global food industry. According to a report by Grand View Research, the global halal food market size was valued at USD 1.9 trillion in 2020 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.3% from 2021 to 2028. This growth is driven by increasing demand for halal products among Muslim consumers worldwide and rising awareness of halal certification among non-Muslim consumers seeking high-quality and ethically sourced food products.

The raid in Sandakan underscores the vital role of regulatory bodies in enforcing halal certification standards. With the global demand for halal frozen food on the rise, it is crucial for food manufacturers and retailers to strictly adhere to halal practices. This not only bolsters consumer confidence but also promotes the growth and sustainability of the halal food market. Ensuring compliance with halal standards is essential for maintaining the integrity of the market and meeting the expectations of consumers worldwide. By upholding these standards, the industry can continue to expand and thrive in an increasingly competitive global food landscape.