Jamiat Ulama Trust cites 'economic benefit' to defend Halal certification amid crackdown

The Jamiat Ulama Hind Halal Trust of Delhi, on Tuesday, issued a response to the Uttar Pradesh government's decision to ban Halal-certified products.

In its official statement, the Trust cited the global demand for Halal certified products and said that "Halal certification is an important economic activity benefiting our country."

The ban was announced on Saturday following an FIR lodged at Hazratganj against four entities for their alleged practices of unnecessarily extorting money from halal certification, promoting religious enmity and even funding terror organisations. 

The Jamiat Ulama along with Halal India Pvt Ltd of Chennai, Halal Counselling of India and Jamiat Ulama of Mumbai was also named in the FIR.

Taking action after the FIR, the UP government banned Halal certification on dairy items, sugar, bakery products, peppermint oil, beverages, edible oils, some medicines, medical devices and cosmetic products. Notably, products meant for export will be exempted from the ban. 

"Strict legal action will be taken against an individual or firm engaged in the production, storage, distribution, buying and selling of halal certified medicines, medical devices and cosmetics within Uttar Pradesh," a statement from the state government warned.

Defending the Halal certification, the Jamiat Ulama said, "It is a matter of preference of individuals and manufacturers who prefer this type of certification to their satisfaction based on the certificates obtained by the certification authorities. This saves a large number of consumers from using products which they do not want for various reasons hence this certification ensures availability of need based products in the market. Those who do not wish to use such products are free not to use them."

It further said that "Halal certification is an important economic activity benefiting our country.  This is a requirement not only for importing countries but also for tourists visiting India, especially those looking for Halal- certified products during their stay, as per the Ministry of Commerce and Industry."

Meanwhile, the UP government continues to crackdown on Halal products as the Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) conducted raids at a Lucknow Mall on November 20. The FSDA team was looking for Halal certification on products like beverages, meat and dry fruits.