Introduction

The Halal certification process ensures that products comply with Islamic dietary and ethical laws. A critical step in this process is verifying the Halal status of all materials used in production, including:

• Raw materials (ingredients, additives, flavors)

• Technical aids (processing enzymes, catalysts)

• Cleaning and sanitizing agents
• Lubricants and machinery oils
• Packaging materials

A well-structured questionnaire is essential for gathering accurate information from suppliers and ensuring compliance. This article explains:

1. Why questionnaires are crucial in Halal certification.

2. Key areas a Halal material questionnaire should cover.

3. Best practices for designing and implementing such questionnaires.

Why Are Questionnaires Important in Halal Certification?

1. Ensures Full Supply Chain Transparency

• Many ingredients (e.g., gelatin, emulsifiers, enzymes) may have non-Halal sources (pork, non-Zabihah slaughtered animals, alcohol).

• Questionnaires help trace the origin and processing methods of each material.

2. Prevents Cross-Contamination Risks

• Even if a material is Halal, it may be processed on shared equipment with non-Halal products.

• Questionnaires identify risks in production, storage, and transportation.

3. Supports Halal Compliance Documentation

• Certification bodies (e.g., JAKIM, MUIS, BPJPH) require detailed documentation on all materials.

• A standardized questionnaire provides audit-ready records.

4. Reduces Certification Delays and Rejections

• Incomplete or unclear supplier information can delay certification.

• A thorough questionnaire minimizes back-and-forth clarifications.

5. Builds Consumer Trust

• Companies that rigorously verify materials strengthen brand credibility among Muslim consumers.

Key Questions a Halal Material Questionnaire Should Cover

A comprehensive Halal material questionnaire should include the following sections:

1. General Supplier Information

• Company name, contact details, and Halal certification status.

• Does the supplier hold a valid Halal certificate ? If yes, provide the issuing body and expiry date.

2. Raw Material Composition & Origin

• What is the material’s source? (Plant, animal, synthetic, microbial)

• Are any non-Halal processing aids used? (e.g., alcohol-based solvents, pork enzymes)

3. Manufacturing & Processing Methods

• Is the material processed on shared equipment with non-Halal products?
• Are any non-Halal lubricants or cleaning agents used in production?
• Is alcohol used in extraction or preservation?

4. Additives, Flavors, and Technical Aids

• Are any E-numbers or additives derived from animal sources? (e.g., E471, E920)
• Are flavors alcohol-based or contain non-Halal ingredients?
• Are enzymes or microbial cultures Halal-compliant?

5. Cleaning & Sanitizing Agents

• Do cleaning chemicals contain alcohol or animal fats?
• Are sanitizers alcohol-free or derived from Halal sources?

6. Lubricants & Machinery Oils

• Are food-grade lubricants free from animal fats?
• Are synthetic or plant-based oils used?

7. Packaging Materials

• Do packaging inks or adhesives contain non-Halal substances?
• Is there a risk of contamination during storage/transport?

8. Storage & Transportation

• Are materials stored separately from non-Halal products?
• Are transport containers used for both Halal and non-Halal goods?

9. Supplier Compliance & Documentation

• Can the supplier provide a Halal certificate or compliance statement?
• Are batch-to-batch variations possible? If yes, how are they monitored?

Best Practices for Designing a Halal Material Questionnaire

1. Use Clear & Specific Questions

• Avoid vague terms like 'natural flavors'—ask for exact sources.
• Example: ❌ 'Does this contain animal derivatives?' ✅ 'If animal-derived, specify the source (bovine, porcine, poultry) and slaughter method (Zabihah or non-Zabihah).'

2. Require Supporting Documents

• Ask for:

3. Implement a Risk-Based Approach

• High-risk materials (gelatin, emulsifiers, enzymes) require more detailed questions.
• Low-risk materials (salt, sugar, water) may need minimal verification.

4. Regularly Update Questionnaires

• Suppliers may change formulations—annual re-verification is recommended.

5. Train Procurement Teams

• Ensure staff understand Halal compliance requirements when reviewing responses.

Conclusion

A well-structured Halal material questionnaire is a critical tool for ensuring compliance in the Halal certification process. By covering raw materials, additives, processing aids, and packaging, companies can: ✔ Prevent non-Halal contamination ✔ Meet certification requirements ✔ Build trust with Muslim consumers

Next Steps:

• Develop a standardized questionnaire for all suppliers.

• Train procurement and QA teams on Halal compliance.

• Work with Halal certification bodies to ensure alignment.

By implementing these practices, businesses can streamline Halal certification and maintain integrity in their Halal supply chain.

Halal Certification Services
Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia (JAKIM)
Badan Penyelenggara Jaminan Produk Halal (BPJPH)
SFDA - هيئة الغذاء والدواء
HalalFocus
LPPOM MUI
Halal Certification Services (EU) GmbH