THE NATIONAL Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) Davao warned against establishments posing as Halal-certified, but did not follow proper certification.
Atty. Cheryl Limbing, NCMF XI Legal Affairs Division chief, said in an interview that using fake logos will be investigated and notified.
“Putting ‘Halal-certified’ is a violation if you are not really Halal certified because you are deceiving the consuming Muslim Filipinos,” Limbing said.
She added that the NMCF Social Economic Division is actively monitoring those establishments to ensure compliance.
This is through the reports that the office receives from Muslim Filipinos who have tried to dine in and found suspicious activities.
“Merong mga ginagawang investigation, tinitingnan and afterwards they are being notified,” she said.
Limbing added that most of the establishments being complained about are owned by Muslims.
She stressed that when an establishment is Muslim-owned, it is not necessarily labeled Halal-certified, as certification is a lengthy process from the raising and slaughter of livestock to the food preparation and until being served.
“Halal in itself is not limited to the food, but it covers the preparation and cleanliness,” she added.
Establishments are encouraged to indicate that they are Halal-friendly, but are still subject to verification by NCMF.
Hall-friendly refers to the products, services, or establishments that cater to the dietary and lifestyle preferences of Muslims, while Halal-certified are those that pass the standards set by Islamic Law.
“We do not go directly to the punitive aspect, as much as possible, especially kung nakikita natin na mga Muslims ang owner ng establishments, only that wala lang silang proper accreditation,” Limbing stressed.
