Halal certification for co-manufacturing facilities ensures that products made under shared or outsourced production processes comply with Islamic dietary laws.

Co-manufacturing refers to third-party production, where companies outsource part or all of their manufacturing to another facility.

Since halal status extends beyond ingredients to include production methods, cross-contamination risks, and facility practices, co-manufacturing facilities need to undergo rigorous halal audits.

Halal Certification Requirements for Co-Manufacturing Facilities

Here are the key halal certification requirements for co-manufacturing facilities:

1. Ingredients Sourcing and Verification:

• All raw materials and additives must be free from non-halal substances, such as pork derivatives, alcohol, or non-zabiha (improperly slaughtered) animal products.
• Co-manufacturers must have a robust traceability system to ensure halal integrity across the supply chain.

2. Segregation and Cross-Contamination Prevention:

• Halal production must be physically segregated from non-halal production lines, or thorough cleaning procedures must be implemented to avoid contamination.
• Equipment used in non-halal processes should undergo a strict cleansing process, known as ritual cleansing (tazkiyah or sertu), if shared with halal products.

3. Facility and Operational Standards:

• The layout of the co-manufacturing plant must support segregation of raw materials, work-in-progress goods, and finished products.
• Dedicated staff may be required for handling halal production to prevent accidental contamination by employees unfamiliar with halal protocols.

4. Packaging and Labeling Requirements:

• Packaging must not contain non-halal materials, such as gelatin-based adhesives or alcohol-based inks.
• Clear labeling is essential to avoid consumer confusion and to meet regulatory standards, especially for exports to countries with mandatory halal labeling requirements (e.g: Indonesia).

5. Audit and Documentation Requirements:

• A complete record of all production activities, from ingredient sourcing to final product shipment, must be available for inspection during audits.
• The facility needs to demonstrate that it follows Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) aligned with halal standards during audits.

Why Should Co-Manufacturing Facilities Pursue Halal Certification?

3. Meeting Client Expectations and Attracting New Business

Many brand owners prefer partnering with halal-certified co-manufacturers to meet their own customers’ needs and regulatory demands. As the halal consumer market is the fastest growing consumer market globally, being halal-certified helps co-manufacturing facilities attract global brands and strengthens long-term business relationships.

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