What is a Halal Audit? All You Need to Know

A halal audit is a structured and systematic evaluation of a company’s operations, processes, and products to ensure compliance with halal certification requirements as defined by Islamic dietary laws and regulatory standards. 

It is an essential part of the halal certification process, ensuring that products meet halal standards and do not contain or come into contact with haram (forbidden) substances or najis (impurities).

The Halal Audit Process 

Below is the general halal audit process: 

​​Step 1. Pre-Audit Preparation

The first step is the audit preparation stage. It consists of: 

1. Application Submission:
   • The company seeking Halal certification submits a formal application. See example here. 
   • The application includes details about the company, its products, and the scope of certification required.
2. Document Review:
   • The certification body reviews the company’s documentation to assess readiness for the audit.
   • Key documents include:
     • Ingredient Lists: A detailed list of all raw materials and ingredients used in production.
     • Supplier Certificates: Halal certificates from suppliers to verify the Halal status of raw materials.
     • Process Flowcharts: Diagrams outlining the production process from start to finish.
     • HACCP Plans: Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) plans, if applicable.
     • Cleaning and Sanitization Procedures: Documentation of cleaning protocols to prevent cross-contamination.

Step 2. On-Site Audit

The onsite audit consists of the following aspects: 

1. Opening Meeting:

A formal opening meeting is first held with the management of the company pursuing halal certification and the personnel responsible for the quality of production. The purpose of this meeting, which is conducted by the head of the audit team is to explain the objectives of the audit and the audit process. The opening meeting includes:

a.   Presentation of the members of the audit team, their roles.

b.   Confirmation of the scope of certification.

c.   Confirmation of the audit plan (including the type of audit, its scope, goals and criteria), any changes in the audit plan and any other arrangements with the Client, such as the date and time of the meeting, any intermediate meetings with the management of the

Client;

d.   Setting formal methods of communication between the audit team and the Client.

e.   Confirmation that all resources and facilities required by the auditors are available.

f. Confirmation of confidentiality issues.

g.   Definition of work safety procedures, emergency situations and security procedures for the audit team.

h.   Roles and functions of observers.

i. Reporting method, including any assessment of audit results.

j. Informing on the conditions under which the audit may be interrupted earlier than the established time.

k.   Confirmation that the audit team (including the head) is responsible for conducting the audit and monitoring the implementation of the audit plan.

l. Information on the status of the results of previous audits/inspections.

m. Informing on the methods and procedures to be used during the audit.

n.   Establishment of the language to be used during the audit.

o.   Confirmation that throughout the audit the Client will be informed about the progress of the audit.

2. Facility Inspection:

• Halal auditors conduct a thorough inspection of the production facility.
• Key areas of focus include:
  • Storage Areas: Ensuring Halal and non-Halal materials are stored separately.
  • Production Lines: Verifying that equipment and machinery are free from Haram contamination.
  • Cleaning Stations: Checking the availability and use of dedicated cleaning tools for Halal production.

3. Process Verification:

• Auditors review all stages of production, including:
  • Raw Material Handling: Confirming that only Halal-certified ingredients are used.
  • Processing: Ensuring that processes comply with Halal standards (e.g., no use of alcohol or pork derivatives).
  • Packaging: Verifying that packaging materials are Halal-compliant and free from contamination.

4. Cross-Contamination Checks:

• Auditors assess the risk of cross-contamination with Haram substances.
• Measures to prevent contamination include:
  • Dedicated production lines for Halal products.
  • Proper segregation of Halal and non-Halal materials during storage and transportation.
  • Use of cleaning agents that are free from Haram substances.

5. Halal Training:

• Key employees involved in production, storage, and handling are provided a halal training to evaluate their understanding of Halal requirements.
• Training may cover topics such as:
  • Awareness of Halal principles.
  • Procedures for handling Halal products.
  • Training received on Halal compliance.

6. Closing meeting

A formal closing meeting, taking into account all participants, should be held with the management of the company seeking halal certification and the personnel responsible for the production quality. The purpose of this meeting, which is conducted by the head of the audit team, is to present the audit findings including an explanation of the inconsistencies found. During the closing meeting, the audit team and the company come to an agreement regarding the time frame for correcting the discovered inconsistencies.

  The final meeting also includes:

1. Notification to the company that the evidence collected during the audit is based on information samples, thus taking into account the element of uncertainty.
2. Method and time frame for reporting, including classification of audit results.
3. The process of processing non-conformities by halal certification, including any consequences related to the certification status of the company.

Step 3. Post-Audit Activities

The following activities are conducted post-audit:

1. Audit Report Preparation:
   • Auditors compile a detailed audit report summarizing their findings.
   • The report includes:
     • Areas of compliance.
     • Non-conformities (if any).
     • Recommendations for corrective actions.
2. Corrective Actions:
   • The company must address any non-conformities identified during the audit.
   • Corrective actions may include:
     • Revising processes to eliminate contamination risks.
     • Updating documentation to reflect Halal compliance.
     • Retraining staff on Halal requirements.
3. Certification:
   • If the company successfully addresses all non-conformities and meets AHF’s Halal standards, it is awarded Halal certification.
   • The certification includes:
     • A Halal certificate.
     • Permission to use the Halal logo on certified products.

Step 4. Ongoing Compliance

Here is what is included to maintain ongoing compliance:

1. Surveillance Audits:
   • The halal certification body conducts regular surveillance audits to ensure continued compliance with Halal standards.
   • These audits may be announced or unannounced and typically occur annually or biannually.
2. Renewal:
   • Halal certification is valid for one to three years and must be renewed annually.
   • The renewal process involves:
     • Submitting updated documentation.
     • Undergoing a renewal audit to verify ongoing compliance.
3. Market Monitoring:
   • AHF may conduct random checks on certified products in the market to ensure they meet Halal standards.
   • Non-compliance can result in suspension or revocation of certification.

Common Non-Conformities in Halal Audits

Category	Non-Conformity
Ingredient & Material Non-Conformities	Use of Non-Halal Certified Animal-Derived Ingredients
Cross-Contamination Risks	Shared Processing Lines with Haram (Forbidden) Products
Supply Chain & Documentation Non-Conformities	Lack of Traceability for Ingredients
Supply Chain & Documentation Non-Conformities	Supplier’s Halal Certification is Expired or Invalid
Manufacturing Process Non-Conformities	Processing with Non-Halal Equipment
Employee & Training Non-Conformities	Untrained Staff Handling Halal Products
Auditing & Compliance Documentation Non-Conformities	Lack of Internal Halal Compliance Audits
Export & Regulatory Compliance Non-Conformities	Failure to Comply with Importing Country Halal Regulations
Export & Regulatory Compliance Non-Conformities	Halal-Certified Products Processed in Non-Certified Facilities

Conclusion

A halal audit is a critical component of halal certification to ensure compliance with halal standards. AHF provides a structured audit framework to verify ingredient integrity, production processes, and supply chain compliance.

To learn more and qualify your products for halal, get in touch with an AHF halal expert at +1 (630) 759-4981 info@halalfoundation.org.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

1. What is a halal audit, and why is it important for manufacturers?

A halal audit is a systematic evaluation of a manufacturer’s operations, processes, and products to ensure compliance with halal certification requirements. 

2. What documents are required for a halal audit?

Manufacturers must prepare the following key documents for a halal audit:

• Ingredient lists detailing all raw materials.
• Supplier halal certificates verifying halal status of raw materials.
• Process flowcharts showing production steps.
• HACCP plans for risk management.
• Cleaning and sanitation procedures to prevent contamination.
• Storage and transport records ensure halal segregation.

3. What are the key steps in the halal audit process?

The halal audit process typically consists of:

1. Pre-Audit Preparation – Reviewing documentation and application.
2. On-Site Audit – Facility inspection, process verification, and cross-contamination checks.
3. Post-Audit Activities – Submission of an audit report, addressing non-conformities.
4. Ongoing Compliance – Surveillance audits, certification renewal, and market monitoring.

4. What are the most common reasons manufacturers fail a halal audit?

Manufacturers often fail a halal audit due to:

• Use of non-halal ingredients (e.g., gelatin, enzymes, alcohol-based flavorings).
• Cross-contamination risks from shared production lines or improper cleaning.
• Lack of supplier traceability or expired halal certificates.
• Improper labeling and packaging that do not comply with halal standards.
• Untrained staff unaware of halal handling and production requirements.

5. How can manufacturers prevent cross-contamination in halal-certified facilities?

To prevent cross-contamination, manufacturers should:

• Use dedicated equipment and production lines for halal products.
• Ensure proper segregation of halal and non-halal materials in storage.
• Use halal-certified cleaning agents and follow strict sanitation protocols.
• Train employees on halal compliance and handling procedures.
• Implement Halal Critical Control Points (HCCPs) to monitor risk areas.

6. How long does a halal audit take?

The duration of a halal audit depends on the size and complexity of the manufacturing facility. A typical audit takes:

• Pre-Audit Preparation – 1 to 2 weeks for document submission and review.
• On-Site Audit – 1 to 3 days for facility inspection and process verification.
• Post-Audit Reporting – 2 to 4 weeks for corrective actions and certification approval.

7. What happens if a manufacturer fails the halal audit?

If a manufacturer fails the halal audit, they are required to:

1. Address non-conformities within a specified timeframe.
2. Implement corrective actions (e.g., update processes, retrain staff).
3. Undergo re-evaluation to verify compliance before certification is granted.
   Failure to correct issues can result in certification denial or revocation.

8. Is halal certification mandatory for food manufacturers exporting to Muslim-majority countries?

Yes, many Muslim-majority countries, including Indonesia, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, require halal certification for imported food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical products. Manufacturers must comply with BPJPH (Indonesia), EIAC (UAE), JAKIM (Malaysia), and SASO (Saudi Arabia) to access these markets.

9. Can a company use the halal logo immediately after passing the audit?

No, a company can only use the halal logo after:

1. Successfully passing the halal audit.
2. Receiving an official halal certificate from a recognized certification body.
3. Registering the halal logo usage with regulatory authorities (if required).

Using a halal logo without certification can lead to legal consequences and market bans.

10. Does halal certification need to be renewed?

Yes, halal certification is valid for 1 to 3 years and must be renewed. 

11. What happens if a manufacturer fails the halal audit?

If a manufacturer fails the halal audit, they are required to:

1. Address non-conformities within a specified timeframe.
2. Implement corrective actions (e.g., update processes, retrain staff).

Undergo re-evaluation to verify compliance before certification is granted.
Failure to correct issues can result in certification denial or revocation.