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“Food That Meets With Muslim Law”

Halal and IFS Certifications

Halal and International Featured Standards (IFS) certifications are critical for businesses involved in food production and distribution, particularly those serving global markets with diverse dietary and safety needs.

 

Halal certification ensures that food products comply with Islamic dietary laws, making them permissible for consumption by Muslim communities worldwide. This certification is increasingly important as the global demand for Halal food continues to grow. While Halal certification focuses on adherence to Islamic dietary laws.

 

IFS (International Featured Standards), on the other hand, is a globally recognized certification that focuses on food safety and quality. It is commonly required by major retailers and food distributors, ensuring that food products meet stringent safety and quality standards from farm to fork. IFS certification emphasizes comprehensive food safety and quality management.

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Benefits of Halal and IFS Certifications

Implementing Halal and IFS certifications can provide substantial advantages to food businesses:

Access to New Markets and Diverse Customer Bases
With Halal certification, companies can cater to the Muslim population, which is one of the fastest-growing consumer segments globally.

 IFS certification, meanwhile, opens doors to international markets where food safety and quality assurance are crucial requirements for business partnerships, particularly with European and global retailers.

Enhanced Food Safety and Quality
IFS certification ensures that products meet high standards of quality and safety throughout the supply chain. This certification reduces the risks of contamination, recalls, and quality issues, helping companies maintain a reliable and safe production process.

Increased Consumer Trust and Brand Reputation
With Halal and IFS certifications, organizations demonstrate a commitment to safety, quality, and ethical standards. This transparency builds trust with customers who prioritize Halal standards and food safety, enhancing brand loyalty and reputation.

Compliance with Regulatory Requirements
Halal certification helps organizations comply with dietary regulations in predominantly Muslim countries and regions.

 while IFS certification aligns companies with global food safety standards, often a requirement by major retailers.

Competitive Advantage and Market Differentiation
Holding both Halal and IFS certifications can give an organization a significant advantage in a competitive market. It shows a commitment to both food safety and cultural sensitivity, setting the brand apart from competitors who may lack one or both of these certifications.

Reduced Risk and Liability
IFS certification is designed to minimize food safety risks, helping companies avoid costly recalls, legal issues, and potential harm to consumers. A robust safety management system also leads to improved operational efficiency and resource management.

Halal Certification Requirements

  1. Compliance with Islamic Dietary Laws
    Halal certification requires that all ingredients, production processes, and handling methods comply with Islamic dietary laws. This means avoiding Haram (forbidden) substances, such as pork and alcohol, and ensuring that meat is sourced from animals slaughtered according to Islamic rites.
  2. Ingredient Verification and Traceability
    Companies must verify that all raw materials and ingredients meet Halal requirements. This involves sourcing from Halal-certified suppliers and maintaining traceability records to confirm that each ingredient is Halal compliant.
  3. Proper Handling and Segregation
    To avoid contamination, Halal products must be segregated from non-Halal items throughout the production, storage, and transportation stages. Separate facilities or dedicated equipment are often required to maintain Halal integrity.
  4. Employee Training in Halal Standards
    Employees involved in the production process should be trained on Halal requirements, including proper handling and inspection procedures, to ensure compliance with Islamic guidelines.
  5. Halal Certification Body Approval
    The final certification must be obtained through a recognized Halal certification body. The certifying organization will inspect the production processes and facilities, verifying compliance before issuing the Halal certificate.

IFS Certification Requirements: (International Featured Standards)

  1. Food Safety Management System (FSMS)
    IFS requires a comprehensive FSMS based on the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) principles. This system must cover all steps of the food production and distribution process, identifying and controlling potential hazards.
  2. Risk Assessment and Quality Management
    Companies must perform risk assessments and implement measures to maintain product quality and safety. This includes monitoring critical control points, maintaining hygiene, and addressing vulnerabilities within the production process.
  3. Documented Procedures and Records
    Documented procedures are essential to demonstrate compliance with IFS standards. These include quality control records, production logs, and safety inspections, which must be accessible for review by auditors.
  4. Employee Training and Competency
    Staff must be trained in food safety practices and the specific requirements of IFS standards. Regular training and assessments help ensure that employees can maintain safety and quality practices effectively.
  5. Regular Audits and Continuous Improvement
    IFS requires organizations to conduct regular internal audits and participate in scheduled external audits by an IFS-approved certification body. Continuous improvement is expected, with corrective actions taken based on audit findings.
  6. Supplier Evaluation and Control
    IFS certification requires rigorous supplier management. Organizations must evaluate their suppliers to ensure they comply with quality and safety standards, especially for high-risk ingredients or materials.
  7. Product and Process Hygiene Standards
    Strict hygiene and sanitation protocols must be established to minimize contamination risks. This includes cleaning schedules, pest control measures, and environmental monitoring in production areas.

By meeting the requirements for these certifications, organizations can expand their market reach, enhance their brand reputation, and build trust among diverse customer segments

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Quality Management system for Private Securities companies

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Quality management - Customer Satisfaction Standard

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(Halal Food / Meat-Islam base-Slaughtering/ IFS: International Featured Standards

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Frequently Asked Questions

What documentation services does AGS-Iraq provide?

AGS-Iraq offers comprehensive documentation services for all ISO standards, including preparation, development, and organization of essential documents required for certification. This includes policies, procedures, manuals, and records tailored to meet specific ISO requirements.

What types of ISO training does AGS-Iraq offer?

AGS-Iraq provides training for various ISO standards, covering areas such as ISO 9001 (Quality Management), ISO 14001 (Environmental Management), ISO 45001 (Occupational Health and Safety), and more. Training includes workshops, on-site training, and support to help employees understand and implement ISO requirements effectively

Who can apply for Halal and IFS certifications?

Any food-related organization, including manufacturers, processors, and distributors, can apply for these certifications to meet global food safety standards and cater to Muslim consumer markets
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