Introduction to JAKIM Certification Scheme – IHCS and Halal Assurance System (HAS)

Q: How often do audits happen?

Typically, audits are done annually, but it can vary based on certification type.

Key Highlights

Halalan and Toyyibban Explained: What they mean for food safety.
IHCS vs. HAS: Understanding the differences in certification.
Core Principles of the Halal Assurance System: How they keep halal integrity intact.

Introduction

Hey there, food lovers and safety buffs! 🌟 Ever thought about what goes into halal certification in Malaysia? Well, you’re in for a treat!

Today, we’re diving into the JAKIM certification scheme, focusing on IHCS (Internal Halal Compliance Scheme) and the Halal Assurance System (HAS). Whether you’re running a bustling café or just curious about halal practices, let’s break it down in a fun and easy way!

Topic 1: Introduction of Halalan

First off, let’s chat about “Halalan.”What does it mean?

Simply put, Halalan refers to what’s permissible in Islam. When it comes to food, it’s all about ensuring that everything from the ingredients to the preparation meets Islamic guidelines. Imagine a restaurant that serves halal food—it’s not just about the meat, it’s about how it’s sourced and treated.

Pretty cool, right?

Topic 2: Introduction of Toyyibban

Now, let’s sprinkle in “Toyyibban.” This term is all about wholesome and goodness. It means halal food should not only be permissible but also top-notch! Think of a local eatery that uses fresh and safe ingredients.

That’s Toyyibban in action! It’s about making sure that what you eat is not only halal but also healthy, safe and wholesome.

Topic 3: What is IHCS Certification?

Alright, let’s dive into IHCS certification. The Halal Compliance Scheme (IHCS) is designed for small to medium-sized businesses that want to get their halal game on point. It’s perfect for those micro scale to small food manufacturers looking to build trust with their customers.

The main goal of IHCS? To help businesses stick to the basic halal rules. For instance, a quaint café can get IHCS certified to show that their meals are prepared following halal standards. And guess what? The auditor for IHCS is JAKIM, so you know it’s legit!

Topic 4: What is HAS Certification?

Now, let’s level up with the Halal Assurance System (HAS). This certification is for medium to large businesses that want to ensure a higher level of halal assurance. Think of it as the VIP pass for halal compliance! HAS is ideal for larger food manufacturers, distributors, and those with central kitchens serving multiple outlets.

HAS focuses on enhancing halal compliance through several key objectives. This includes identifying Halal Critical Points (HCP) and setting up an Internal Halal Committee. This committee’s job? To make sure everything meets JAKIM’s high standards.

Core Principles of the Halal Assurance System:

Identifying Halal Critical Points: This means spotting any potential sources of contamination throughout the supply chain. If something doesn’t meet halal standards, it’s flagged for correction.

Flow Chart Development: Creating flow charts that detail every step in the supply chain. These charts are then checked against actual operations to find any potential issues.

Control Measures Implementation: If any non-compliance issues pop up, appropriate measures are put in place to fix them according to Malaysian standards.

Corrective Actions: If something goes wrong, corrective actions are developed and implemented to keep halal integrity intact.

Documentation and Record Management: Keeping proper records is essential. This shows that businesses are meeting halal requirements and helps with audits.

Process Verification: This involves checking all records and ensuring that operations comply with halal standards. It’s about keeping everything in check!

Topic 5: What’s the Difference Between IHCS and HAS Certification?

When it comes to halal certification in Malaysia, understanding the differences between the Halal Compliance Scheme (IHCS) and the Halal Assurance System (HAS) is crucial for businesses. Let’s break it down in detail:

1. Size of Factory:

IHCS: This certification is specifically designed for small factories and businesses. Think of a small quick frozen repacker or a small bakery. IHCS is perfect for these types of establishments because it focuses on ensuring basic halal compliance without overwhelming them with complex requirements. It allows small businesses to demonstrate their commitment to halal practices while still being manageable for their operations.

HAS: On the flip side, HAS is tailored for medium to large businesses. If you’re running a food manufacturing plant that produces large quantities of products or a distribution center serving multiple outlets, HAS is the way to go. This certification is more comprehensive, reflecting the complexity and scale of larger operations. It ensures that businesses with a greater impact on the food supply chain maintain higher levels of halal assurance.

2. Revenue Earned:

IHCS: There’s no specific revenue threshold for IHCS, making it accessible for small and budding businesses. This inclusivity allows new players in the food industry to get certified and gain customer trust without needing to meet stringent financial criteria.

HAS: For businesses earning more than 15 million, HAS certification is essential. This requirement helps ensure that larger operations, which manage more significant resources and have a broader consumer base, adhere to strict halal standards. It reflects the expectation that larger profits should correlate with higher accountability in halal compliance.

3. Central Kitchen Supply:

IHCS: There’s no specific revenue threshold for IHCS, making it accessible for small and budding businesses. This inclusivity allows new players in the food industry to get certified and gain customer trust without needing to meet stringent financial criteria.

HAS: For businesses earning more than 15 million, HAS certification is essential. This requirement helps ensure that larger operations, which manage more significant resources and have a broader consumer base, adhere to strict halal standards. It reflects the expectation that larger profits should correlate with higher accountability in halal compliance.

Summary of Differences

Criteria	IHCS	HAS
Size of Factory	Micro to Small-scaled food factories (e.g., small bakeries)	Medium to large businesses (e.g., food factories)
Revenue Earned	No specific threshold	Annual sales turnover equal or more than 15 million
Central Kitchen Supply	Suitable for direct sales	Required for central kitchens serving multiple outlets

Why Does This Matter?

Understanding these differences is critical for business owners when deciding which certification to pursue. Choosing the right certification not only helps businesses comply with halal standards but also enhances their reputation and customer trust.

By aligning with the appropriate certification, businesses can ensure that they not only meet regulatory requirements but also contribute positively to the halal food ecosystem. This understanding fosters a commitment to quality and safety, ultimately benefiting consumers and the industry as a whole.

FAQs

1. What is JAKIM?

JAKIM stands for the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia, the go-to for halal certification.

2. Who needs IHCS certification?

Small to medium-sized food businesses aiming for basic halal compliance.

3. What industries benefit from HAS certification?

Medium to large food manufacturers, distributors, and central kitchens.

4. Can a small café get HAS certification?

Nope! A small café usually goes for IHCS certification.

5. How often do audits happen?

JAKIM stands for the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia, the go-to for halal certification.

6. What if I fail the audit?

You’ll get feedback on what needs fixing and can retake the audit after making changes.

Conclusion

And there you have it! Understanding the JAKIM certification scheme, including IHCS and HAS, is easier than you might think. Both certifications are crucial for ensuring that food products meet halal standards, catering to different business sizes and needs.

Whether you’re a small café owner or managing a large food processing facility, knowing the ins and outs of these certifications can help you win over your customers. By embracing halal principles, you’re not just following rules; you’re promoting a culture of quality and safety in the food industry.

Let’s make halal food not just a requirement but a delicious experience! 🍽️