By MARVYN N. BENANING
MANILA, Philippines – Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala has called for the quick crafting of the country’s halal food standards to enable exporters to secure a good share of the $2.3-trillion global halal market.
He ordered Halal Food Industry Development Committee (HFIDC) chairman Sani D. Macabalang, also director of Region 12 of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), to consult with stakeholders nationwide in order to refine the proposed draft standards.
The standards also cover food products derived from genetically-modified organisms (GMOs) or bred using biotechnological processes.
Alcala said by penetrating this lucrative market, Philippine food exports will be increased and thus revitalize agri-fishery agribusiness enterprises concentrating on the market.
It would also lead to the establishment of more world-class halal food production and processing enterprises and provide employment opportunities to thousands of Filipinos, Alcala said.
The first consultation was held last Jan. 24 at the Bureau of Plant Industry satellite office in Quezon City, where the HFIDC presented to halal industry stakeholders three draft standards, namely “Halal Agriculture and Fishery Products,” “Code of Halal Slaughtering Practices for Poultry” and the “Code of Halal Slaughtering Practices for Large Ruminants.”
It was attended by about 50 Muslim scholars from Metro Manila and suburbs, and officials and representatives from the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF), partner agencies, and the private sector.
Three other consultations will be conducted in General Santos on Feb. 16 while those in Zamboanga City and Cebu City have been scheduled next month.
Macabalang said the three proposed standards include specific provisions for each food product group and address issues on GMOs.
“The standards took into account the requirements set by regional and international bodies to ensure harmonization of the various provisions which are important in the recognition of the country’s halal exports,” Macabalang said.
When finalized, the three Philippine halal code of standards will be presented to the ASEAN Technical Working Group on Halal Food and the World Halal Forum to be held in Malaysia in April.
Macabalang said once the Philippine halal standards are approved and recognized by these bodies, the country could then easily gain access to the world halal market.
NCMF is tasked to accredit halal-certifying entities in partnership with the DA and other government agencies, the private sector, and institutions, as stipulated in Art 2(h) of RA 9997 s. 2009.
Source: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/302332/alcala-moves-craft-halal-food-standards
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