World Applied Sciences Journal 17 (Towards the Traceability of Halal and Thoyyiban Application): 01-05, 2012
ISSN 1818-4952
© IDOSI Publications, 2012
Corresponding Author: Zurina Shafii, Islamic Finance and Wealth Management Institute/
Faculty of Economics and Muamalat, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, Bandar Baru Nilai, Malaysia.
Tel: +60193338509, E-mail: anakshafii@yahoo.com.
1
Halal Traceability Framework for Halal Food Production
Zurina Shafii and W.M.N. Wan Siti Khadijah
1 2
Islamic Finance and Wealth Management Institute (IFWMI),
1
Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, 71800, Bandar Baru Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
Faculty of Economics and Muamalat, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia,
2
71800, Bandar Baru Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
Abstract: Muslim consumers are concerned about the status of Islamic religious requirements of products and
services. The producers’ ability to trace the beginning to end processes will gain the confidence of the
consumers that the whole processes from the production, processing and distribution of the products are
Shariah-compliant. Halal traceability provides further information about which Halal standards have been
applied, allows the consumer to verify the Halal claims and ensures that the product delivered to the customer
is thoyyib (wholesome, healthy, safe, nutritious and of good quality). This paper seeks to develop a Halal
traceability framework for Halal food producers based on Halal traceability deployments in a Halal certified food
production company. The case study method is employed to learn about the initiatives of the company in
relation to traceability of Halal food production. Based on the experience of the studied case, a framework is
generated that Halal food producers can refer to as a proper guideline to ensure Halal compliance along the
production, transportation and distribution system. The framework has theoretical interest for replicability to
other Halal food producers.
Key words: Halal traceability Halal food production Halal certification Syariah Compliance
INTRODUCTION banking) and 67 percent (USD 1.4 trillion) of this market
ISO 1995 defines traceability as the ability to trace the billion is from pharmaceuticals and USD 230 billion is from
history, application or location of an entity, by means of cosmetics and pharmaceuticals [5].
recorded identifications [1]. Three main dimensions for According to Mohamed (2011), Halal foods are food
improvements from the application of traceability are; permitted under the Shariah law which fulfills conditions,
food safety assurance, safety and quality and risk namely (a) does not contain any parts or products of
prevention [2]. The significance of food risk concern and animals that are non-Halal to Muslims or products of
coping strategies has also being highlighted by Yeung animals which are not slaughtered according to Shariah
and Yee [3]. Application of traceability in Halal food law; (b) does not contain any ingredients that are najs
production is at a new stage due to its infancy of large (filth or unclean) according to Shariah law; (c) is safe and
scale production of Halal products. The Halal industry is not harmful; (d) is not prepared, processed or
a new growth sector in the Malaysian manufacturing manufactured using equipment that is contaminated with
sector and is the fastest growing global business across things that are najs according to Shariah law; (e) the food
the world [4]. It is also an emerging market force that is or its ingredients do not contain any human parts or its
attracting non-Muslims with its wholesome, hygienic and derivatives that are not permitted by Shariah law; and (f)
contamination-free principles in food production. during its preparation, processing, packaging, storage or
Research by the World Halal Forum Secretariat estimates transportation, the food is physically separated from any
that the global value for trade of Halal food and non-food other food that does not meet the requirements stated in
products is estimated at USD2.3 trillion (excluding items (a-d) or any other things that have been decreed as
comprises of food and beverages. A further USD 506