The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) announced on 21 July that the government of Canada has introduced a new guideline on labelling of halal food products which will be enforced in April 2016.
The new guidelines require that halal claims on food labels, packaging or advertising materials must include the entire name of the certifying body or person.
According to the new regulation, a person must not use in labelling, packaging, advertising or selling of food, the word “halal” or any letters of the Arabic alphabet or any other word, depiction, sign, or other representation that indicates or that is likely to create an impression that the food is halal unless the name of the person or agency that certified the food as halal is indicated. The food manufacturers also have the option to print additional information such as website of the certifying body on the product label.
According to Malaysia Trade Commissioner in Toronto Norzihan Mohd Zain, “Canada offers US$1 billion worth of market for halal products. Therefore, Malaysia’s exporters of halal products should tap into this market and leverage on Canada’s recognition of Malaysia as a reliable producer of halal products as well as the Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia (JAKIM) halal certification.
“With the implementation of the new guideline, consumers are able to rest assured that the food meets a certifying body's standard and allow them to obtain specific information about the standards the food has met. This change will also provide consistency for industry and help prevent mislabeling practices and claims regarding halal food products."
Malaysian companies can contact MATRADE Toronto to find out more.