When it comes to the question of what Halal Certifications mean, it is a voluntary certification to mark any product whether it is compliant with Islamic laws to be identified as Halal. Halal certification is a process that includes multiple steps to ensure that every ingredient used to make that product, each process involved in the storage, production, and transportation activity, and all the equipment used in the making are as per Islamic standards.
And there is no haram/impermissible component involved during any process whatsoever. Obtaining a Halal certification guarantees that the product is halal by all means and free from any haram component, and is fit for use by Muslims.
The certification mainly applies to meat products and other food products such as milk, canned food, and additives. Specifically, for meat products, Halal Certification certifies that the animals were slaughtered in a single cut while reciting the Shahadah, thoroughly bled, and their meat has not been in contact with animals slaughtered otherwise and, especially, with pork.
The meat of carnivorous animals with claws and fangs, reptiles, pests, mules and donkeys, and other poisonous and hazardous aquatic life is also not allowed to be consumed by Muslims.
Any form of alcohol or intoxicating agent is also forbidden in Islam.
Apart from the food and beverage industry, Halal certification is also required by the pharmaceutical and cosmetics sector. The certifications ensure that any medicine or cosmetic product does not contain any form of alcohol or fat agents from pigs.
Other than the consumables, Halal certification can also be obtained for animal feed, financial services, logistic services, and packaging services.
The procedure for halal certification generally starts with the application from the client which is then followed by an initial gathering of information regarding the materials used, storage, production processes, packaging, and transportation.
The information is then verified by visiting the sites and checking all the ingredients and processes for compliance. After checking all the compliance formalities, the Halal Certificate is issued.
To conclude, Halal certification is a very trusted and verified procedure that helps you make your product stand out by claiming that they are manufactured as per the faith and beliefs of Islam. The process evaluates, inspects, and then certifies that the product never went through any process and does not contain any item which is stated as Haram in Islam, and it is absolutely fit to be used by Muslims.