The applicant will submit an application requesting certification of products for Halal consideration. The approval process begins when the completed application is received by Halal Food Council USA.
Inspection of the Facilities: Inspector(s)/auditor(s) from HFC-USA’s Department of Halal Inspection and Supervision will inspect the facility to determine the compliance (of product, ingredients, equipments, production process, sanitation procedures, packaging, labeling, storage, and transportation) with Halal standards. This includes reviewing the possibility of cross contamination. The inspection report is submitted to the Halal Certification Board along with any recommendation.
Dry Goods, Pharmaceutical, Cosmetics
Submission of Documentation: The applicant will provide HFC-USA documentation that pertains to, but is not limited to, ingredient specifications sheets, information on any and all production plant locations that will be producing the Halal product, and may include disclosure of any previous experience with other Halal-certifying bodies. HFC-USA acknowledges that any and all information submitted will be dealt with in strict confidence and will not be used for any other purpose other than evaluating products for certification purposes.
Registration of the Slaughter Facility: Upon approval of the plant by HFC-USA’s Halal Certification Board, the plant is registered as a bonafide Halal Slaughter Plant.
Dry Goods, Pharmaceutical, Cosmetics
Inspection of the Facilities: After complete review of the above information in Step 2, an appointment will be made for an inspector from HFC-USA to visit the facility or facilities that will be producing the Halal product. An inspection report will be presented to the company’s representative with an initial finding stating either approval, approval with modifications to be made, or reasons for rejection. In the instances of rejection, the inspector will list those conditions that need to be met in order for approval to be granted. Another inspection may be necessary to insure compliance.
Assignment of a Muslim slaughter man: A Muslim slaughter man is assigned to perform the necessary procedures in accordance with the Islamic slaughter method.
Dry Goods, Pharmaceutical, Cosmetics
Certification of Product: Upon successful completion of the above steps, a certificate of Halal accreditation will be issued to the applicant. If certification requires that an inspector be present during production, a schedule and corresponding fee schedule will be determined. At this time, the applicant may display the HFC-USA symbol. This certificate extends for one year from the date of issuance and is renewable, as long as compliance with Halal standards is maintained.
Sign Agreement and Issue Certification: A written contract is signed with mutually agreed upon terms and conditions. A Halal Slaughter Certificate is issued by the Halal Certification Board for each batch of Halal product produced. HFC-USA’s registered symbol is made available for use on labels of Halal product.
Dry Goods, Pharmaceutical, Cosmetics
Fees: Upon successful approval, a certification fee will be assessed for the certification period of one year. Generally, this will take into consideration the number of different products being certified, the number of ingredients to be considered, the number of facilities involved, the amount of consulting or inspection time required, and the travel time and distance involved for inspection. A list of schedules fees will be provided after the receipt of the application or upon request.
Post Certification Monitoring: Maintenance of Halal status of the slaughtering plant, production process, standard Halal operating procedures set by HFC-USA for Halal production, and the final product that is Halal certified is essential throughout the certification period. An announced and/or unannounced inspection of the production facility by HFC-USA auditors will be performed for assuring Halal status.
