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The Uttar Pradesh government has prohibited the production, storage, distribution, and sale of food products with the Halal certification with immediate effect. It’s important to note that products manufactured for export are exempt from these restrictions.
“Stringent legal actions will be taken against any individual or entity involved in the manufacturing, storage, distribution, purchase, and sale of medicines, medical devices, and cosmetics with Halal certification within Uttar Pradesh,” stated an official order.
The Uttar Pradesh government has banned the sale of food products with Halal certification, citing concerns that it creates confusion about the quality of food items. According to an official order, the Halal certification of food products is considered a parallel system, and it is not deemed tenable under Section 89 of the Food Safety and Standards Act.
The order emphasizes that the authority to determine the quality of food items rests solely with the institutions specified in Section 29 of the Act, which assess the relevant standards as per the provisions of the Act.
The Uttar Pradesh government has highlighted that some medicines, medical devices, and cosmetic products display Halal certification on their packaging or labeling despite the absence of provisions for such certification in the government rules related to drugs, medical devices, and cosmetics. Additionally, there is no mention of Halal certification in the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and its related rules. The official order emphasizes that Halal certification in these categories is not in line with established regulations.
The Uttar Pradesh government’s decision to ban the sale of products with a Halal certification follows a police case filed against a company and other organizations. These entities are accused of allegedly exploiting religious sentiments to boost sales by providing forged Halal certificates.
The ban aims to address concerns about the misuse and confusion associated with the parallel Halal certification system, particularly in the context of food product quality.
The companies in question are accused of issuing forged Halal certificates for financial gain, leading to social animosity and violating public trust. The Uttar Pradesh government’s decision to ban products with a Halal certification aims to curb such practices and uphold standards related to food product quality and certification.
Certain food products, including dairy products, sugar bakery items, peppermint oil, salty ready-to-eat savories, and edible oils, bear Halal certification on their labels, according to the food commissioner’s office. The Uttar Pradesh government’s ban on products with Halal certification is intended to address concerns about the parallel certification system and potential confusion regarding food item quality.
Halal certification ensures that food is prepared in accordance with Islamic law, guaranteeing its purity. If a product includes animals or their byproducts prohibited under Islamic law, it cannot receive halal certification. Halal foods are produced using machinery, equipment, and utensils cleaned according to Islamic law, and they are free from any components forbidden in the Muslim diet.
