Process Flow of Beef Hide Gelatin Production with Halal Critical Points
Below is a step-by-step process flow for beef hide gelatin production, highlighting the critical points that ensure halal compliance:

1. Sourcing of Raw Materials
   Process: Obtain beef hides from #halal-slaughtered cattle.
   Halal Critical Point:

   • Cattle must be healthy, no injuries, well fed and rested.
   • Cattle must be slaughtered according to #Islamic principles (zabihah).
   • The animal must be healthy, fed a halal diet, and the slaughter must include the recitation of God’s (Allah’s) name (Tasmiyah).
   • Slaughter must be done by a trained and practicing Muslim.
   • Stunning method, if used, shall ensure that the animal is alive and only unconscious after stunning.
   • Ensure the blood is fully drained.
   • Ensure separation of halal hides and non-halal hides at the slaughtering, tannery, and gelatin production plant.

2. Cleaning and Preparation
   Process: Wash and clean the hides to remove dirt, fat, and impurities.
   Halal Critical Point:

   • Use halal-compliant cleaning agents (free from drinkable alcohol and/or forbidden substances).
   • Ensure no cross-contamination with non-halal materials during cleaning.
   • Ensure halal hides are cleaned, prepared, and stored separately from non-halal hides.

3. Soaking in Acid or Alkali Solution
   Process: Soak the hides in an acid (e.g., hydrochloric acid) or alkali (e.g., lime) solution to break down collagen fibers.
   Halal Critical Point:

   • Ensure the chemicals used are halal-suitable and free from forbidden substances.
   • Avoid using enzymes or chemicals derived from non-halal sources (e.g., pork).

4. Extraction of Collagen
   Process: Heat the treated hides in water to extract collagen, which dissolves into a gelatin solution.
   Halal Critical Point:

   • Use equipment that is thoroughly cleaned and free from contamination with non-halal products.
   • Ensure the water used is pure and uncontaminated.

5. Filtration and Purification
   Process: Filter the gelatin solution to remove impurities and particles.
   Halal Critical Point:

   • Use halal-compliant filtration methods and materials.
   • Avoid using filters or additives derived from non-halal sources or contaminated with them.

6. Concentration and Drying
   Process: Concentrate the gelatin solution by evaporating water, then dry it to form a solid powder or sheets.
   Halal Critical Point:

   • Ensure drying equipment is free from cross-contamination.
   • Avoid using non-halal anti-caking agents or additives during drying.

7. Packaging and Storage
   Process: Package the dried gelatin in halal-compliant packaging materials.
   Halal Critical Point:

   • Ensure packaging is free from contamination with forbidden substances.
   • Label the product with a halal certification logo from a recognized halal certification body.
   • Batch certificate might be required for each lot shipped out.

8. Halal Certification and Auditing
   Process: Submit the entire production process for auditing by a reputable halal certification body.
   Halal Critical Point:

   • Maintain detailed records of sourcing, processing, and cleaning to prove compliance.
   • Regularly inspect and audit the facility to ensure ongoing halal compliance internally and externally with HCB.

Summary of Halal Critical Points

1. Source: Beef hides must come from halal-slaughtered cattle.
2. Cleaning: Use halal-compliant cleaning agents and methods.
3. Processing: Avoid haram chemicals, enzymes, or cross-contamination.
4. Equipment: Ensure all equipment is cleaned and dedicated to halal production.
5. Certification: Obtain halal certification from a recognized body and maintain proper documentation.

By adhering to these critical points, beef hide gelatin production can meet halal standards, ensuring it is permissible for Muslim consumers.