Personal impact

Consumers may not be aware that they are buying Halaal.  It should be a matter of personal choice however it is not always easy to see whether a product is Halaal certified as the  icons can be very small.   Consumers are unaware which products are Halaal.  They are just not really given a choice as all the well known brands are Halaal certified and are left with few alternatives.

Economic impact

It is said that Halaal certification does not affect product prices.  However companies have to hire extra Muslim staff, get extra Halaal compliant production plant space, make use of Halaal friendly transport and more.  These costs add up to large sums which impacts product prices and also the consumers’ pocket.

Religious impact

Unknowing consumers are forced to subsidise a religion that directly and very publicly apposes their own.  There is also the aspect that Halaal foods are dedicated to Allah and this apposes other belief systems.

Businesses

Businesses are also impacted by the Halaal certification industry. Extra care must be taken to be certified.  Cross contamination must be prevented, extra plants must be added, extra Muslim staff are required to ensure that standards are met.  Halaal transportation must be used and then there is still certification costs that need to be paid, all at extra costs which diminishes profit which is then made up to by the consumer.

There are currently 4 Halaal certification agencies in South Africa:

@  Muslim Judicial Council Halaal Trust

@  National Independent Halaal Trust

@ The Islamic Council of S A Halaal Trust

@  South African National Halaal Authority

The following brands are not Halaal goods:

SPAR branded goods; Christian Friendly branded products; Most imported items unless specified on packaging.

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