Put 'halal' labels on food seals: YLKI

Put 'halal' labels on food seals: YLKI

JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Consumers Foundation (YLKI) said
the government should exercise strict control over food and drink
packages labeled halal, or suitable for Moslems to consume.

The foundation's chief, Tini Hadad, said canned food and
brewery producers should clearly mention the expiry date of their
products on the label to ease the control.

"Once the ministry issues the certificate, it should begin
strict and regular control to determine whether food and beverage
packages or food and drinks found in restaurants bearing the
label are really suitable for Moslems to consume," Tini told The
Jakarta Post yesterday.

Minister of Health Sujudi, Minister of Religious Affairs
Tarmizi Taher and chairman of the Indonesian Council of Ulemas
Hasan Basri signed an agreement on June 21 which gives the
authority to the Ministry of Health to issue the halal
certificates.

She explained that the control is necessary to erase
consumers' doubt about whether the food and drinks they are
planning to buy are halal or not.

"Food is changing in its process, additional substances and
even contents. Especially in restaurants," Tini said. "So, it's
important to determine the validity period of each certificate
before the ministry conducts the next examination of the
products," she added.

She suggested that the government form an independent
commission to determine whether a product can be considered halal
for the consumers.

"The independent commission should not consist of ministry
officials or MUI (Indonesian Council of Ulemas) only, but also
experts on food and beverages," Tini said.

"We know that it's the government's right to issue the
labeling, but they do not have enough food and beverage experts.
The ministry can still issue the labeling, but let an independent
commission do the examination," she added.

The Ministry of Health plans to set up a coordination team
consisting of representatives from both of the ministry and MUI
to determine whether a product can be considered halal.

Food producers or restaurant owners who want to participate in
the labeling program should contact the Ministry of Health. The
team will examine their products on site and in the laboratory.
The result will be rechecked by MUI before it can be declared
halal. Subsequently, the Ministry of Health will issue the
labeling for the product based on MUI's recommendation.

Sujudi assured consumers that food producers would not raise
their products' price, as the expenses for the labeling will be
drawn from their promotion expenses.

"The ministry should really guarantee that the producers will
not increase prices after the labeling," Tini said. (31)