Recent news about the halal status of a ham and cheese sandwich sold at a prominent convenience store in Malaysia has sparked public interest raised questions among consumers about what constitutes a halal-certified product. While the producer of the sandwich has assured consumers that all ingredients are halal, many are left wondering: is having halal-certified ingredients alone enough to make a product halal? The answer is more complex than it may appear.

Beyond Ingredients: Understanding Halal Certification

In Malaysia, halal certification is governed by strict standards outlined by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) and other recognized Islamic bodies. These standards ensure that not only the ingredients but also the entire production chain complies with Islamic principles. A critical aspect of Halal food certification involves the full traceability of ingredients, adherence to sanitation practices, and the use of approved production methods⁵.

While the use of Halal raw materials in food production is essential, it does not