ID :
25989
Wed, 10/22/2008 - 12:37
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/25989
The shortlink copeid
M'SIA SETS NEW STANDARD FOR HALAL PRODUCTS
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 22 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian government continues to
take on a proactive approach to meet demands from Muslim consumers by setting a
new
standard for halal (permissible in Islam) products, Minister in the Prime
Minister's Department Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said Tuesday.
He said besides the Standard MS 1500:2004 for the production, preparation,
handling and storing of halal food which was being reviewed, the government
would also introduce a new standard for cosmetic and personal care
products.
"The Standard Cosmetic and Personal Care - General Guidelines is in the
process for gazetting by the science, technology and innovation
ministry.
"The standard for halal cosmetic products is introduced on the government's
awareness that Muslim consumers are concerned over the presence of many cosmetic
products in the market which do not have the halal logo.
"By setting the standard, Muslim consumers will feel safe to use the
products," he said in response to a question by an opposition MP Salahuddin Ayub
on standards for halal products in the Lower House of Parliament here.
Ahmad Zahid said halal standards for other products were also being
developed, especially for products made from animal skin, fur, bones, nail,
teeth and horns, logistic service and also chemical, herbal and pharmaceutical
products.
To a supplementary question by Salahuddin on meat produced from cloning
technology, Ahmad Zahid said the government was working with the United States
Food and Drugs Administration (USFDA), several food manufacturers in China,
governments of Asean member countries and several laboratories in Europe for
more information on the matter.
The Halal Development Corporation (HDC) laboratory in Cyberjaya serves as
the centre for scientific researches, especially in matters concerning genetic
engineering.
Meanwhile, in a press conference at the Parliament Lobby, Ahmad Zahid said
since officers from the Halal Unit of the Islamic Development Department were
absorbed into HDC, 525 halal certificates had been issued since June this year,
with 10 of the certificates issued for products produced by international
companies.
-- BERNAMA
take on a proactive approach to meet demands from Muslim consumers by setting a
new
standard for halal (permissible in Islam) products, Minister in the Prime
Minister's Department Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said Tuesday.
He said besides the Standard MS 1500:2004 for the production, preparation,
handling and storing of halal food which was being reviewed, the government
would also introduce a new standard for cosmetic and personal care
products.
"The Standard Cosmetic and Personal Care - General Guidelines is in the
process for gazetting by the science, technology and innovation
ministry.
"The standard for halal cosmetic products is introduced on the government's
awareness that Muslim consumers are concerned over the presence of many cosmetic
products in the market which do not have the halal logo.
"By setting the standard, Muslim consumers will feel safe to use the
products," he said in response to a question by an opposition MP Salahuddin Ayub
on standards for halal products in the Lower House of Parliament here.
Ahmad Zahid said halal standards for other products were also being
developed, especially for products made from animal skin, fur, bones, nail,
teeth and horns, logistic service and also chemical, herbal and pharmaceutical
products.
To a supplementary question by Salahuddin on meat produced from cloning
technology, Ahmad Zahid said the government was working with the United States
Food and Drugs Administration (USFDA), several food manufacturers in China,
governments of Asean member countries and several laboratories in Europe for
more information on the matter.
The Halal Development Corporation (HDC) laboratory in Cyberjaya serves as
the centre for scientific researches, especially in matters concerning genetic
engineering.
Meanwhile, in a press conference at the Parliament Lobby, Ahmad Zahid said
since officers from the Halal Unit of the Islamic Development Department were
absorbed into HDC, 525 halal certificates had been issued since June this year,
with 10 of the certificates issued for products produced by international
companies.
-- BERNAMA
