Here’s a roundup of key developments across the halal industry ecosystem during the first two weeks of February
Editor’s note: It seems that Southeast Asia is lapping up Korean flavours. Halal Korean Mandu flavours are being introduced in Malaysia, while traditional Korean sweet rice beverage is being exported to Indonesia.
There’s a bit of good news for Singaporean Muslims, too. That is, if you harbour a taste for lab-grown meat.
Company News
Malaysia
CJ Foods launched halal Korean Mandu and Hoppang in Malaysia
CJ Foods, a unit of South Korea’s CheilJedang, has launched the first halal bibigo Mandu products in Malaysia, aiming to introduce Korean Mandu flavors to local consumers.
The newly introduced products include three flavors of JAKIM-certified halal Mandu (chicken, Korean spicy chicken, and beef bulgogi) and two flavors of Hoppang (japchae and Korean spicy chicken). (Macau Business)
Indonesia
Paldo introduces halal-certified Birak Sikhye to Indonesian market
Paldo, a Korean food company, is exporting its halal certified Birak Sikhye, a traditional Korean sweet rice beverage, to Indonesia.
The product, available in two variants, will soon be found in supermarket chains including Lion Super Indo, The Foodhall, Aeon, and GrandLucky Superstore, with plans for wider distribution. (Korea JoongAng Daily)
Regulatory
Singapore
Singapore Muslims allowed to eat lab-grown meat on conditions
Muslims can consume lab-cultivated meat if the cells originate from halal animals and the final ingredients exclude non-halal components, according to Dr. Nazirudin Mohd Nasir, the Mufti of Singapore.
This ruling reflects the evolution of fatwa research alongside technological advancements and societal shifts. (Channel News Asia)
Indonesia
BPJPH to reopen free halal certification for MSEs
The Halal Product Assurance Agency (BPJPH) under the Religious Affairs Ministry plans to relaunch the free halal certification program, aiming to certify one million micro and small enterprises (MSEs).
BPJPH head Aqil Irham announced this decision, highlighting the government’s commitment to supporting MSE players. (Antara News)
Belgium
Top human rights court backs Belgian religious slaughter bans
The European Court of Human Rights upheld Belgium’s bans on the slaughter of animals without stunning, ruling that they do not infringe upon freedom of religion or amount to discrimination.
The decision, issued in Strasbourg, France, follows a petition filed by Muslim groups challenging the bans introduced in 2019 in two of Belgium’s three regions. (Halal Focus)
UPCOMING EVENTS :
- Gulfood 2024 – UAE – Feb 19-23, 2024
- London Muslim Shopping Festival 2024 – London, UK – Feb 24-25, 2024
- Madinah International Halal Economic Forum & World Halal Day – Saudi Arabia – Feb 26-2, 2024
- Albanian Halal Expo 2024 – Albania – March 1-3, 2024
- Premium Food Show 2024 – Japan – April 10-12, 2024
- Halal Trade, Logistics & Manufacturing Expo – South Africa – May 6-8, 2024
- Halal Expo Canada 2024 – Canada – May 8-9, 2024
- Saudi International Halal Expo & Summit 2024 – Saudi Arabia – Oct 28-30, 2024