TESDA Halal Awareness Course

Halal, primarily used to refer to food permissible according to Islamic law, encompasses more than just culinary aspects. It represents a comprehensive Islamic lifestyle that is wholesome, healthy, ethical, and sustainable. In recognition of its global significance, TESDA offers a Halal Awareness Course. This course aims to deepen individuals’ understanding of Halal practices and principles, enhancing their knowledge and promoting compliance with these standards.

What is Halal?

Halal – An Arabic term meaning permissible or lawful in Islam, specifically in reference to food according to Islamic Law.

Benefits

Taking the HALAL awareness course by TESDA offers several benefits:

Develops awareness: The course helps individuals gain a better understanding of halal practices and principles, allowing them to navigate the halal industry with confidence.
Enhances knowledge: Participants will acquire in-depth knowledge about halal standards, certifications, and regulations, enabling them to make informed decisions and contribute to the halal ecosystem.
Expands career opportunities: With the growing demand for halal products and services, having expertise in halal awareness can open up various career opportunities in industries such as food and beverage, hospitality, and tourism.
Ensures compliance: By completing the course, individuals will be equipped with the necessary skills to ensure that products and services meet halal requirements, thereby promoting consumer trust and confidence.
Supports business growth: For entrepreneurs and business owners, the HALAL awareness course can provide valuable insights into tapping into the halal market, expanding customer base, and meeting the needs of halal-conscious consumers.

Overall, the HALAL awareness course by TESDA empowers individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in the halal industry while contributing to its growth and development.

Core Competencies

This unit covers the skills, knowledge, and attitudes needed to identify, apply, and follow halal principles and practices relevant to the individual’s job role.

Range of Variables

These are the range of variables that will be covered in the TESDA Halal Awareness Course:

a. Halal Principles and Practices

Consumption of halal foods and beverages
Avoidance of haram (forbidden) substances
Adherence to zabiha (slaughter) guidelines
Maintaining cleanliness and purity (tahara)
Avoidance of cross-contamination
Maintaining ethical and fair business dealings
Modesty in dress (hijab and clothing)
Respect for others and compassion
Charity (zakat) and social responsibility
Performance of regular prayer and worship (salah)
Avoidance of mashbuh

b. Halal Dietary Laws / Guidelines on Food Preparation

Adherence to slaughtering (dhabiha/zabiha) principles
Prohibition of pork and predatory/carnivorous animals
Prohibition of alcoholic beverages and intoxicants
Establishment of dedicated preparation areas to avoid cross-contamination
Maintaining cleanliness and hygiene
Treating animals with kindness and avoiding unnecessary harm or cruelty
Use of halal sources for gelatin and additives
Recitation of blessings (bismillah) and gratitude
Avoiding doubtful foods (mashbooh)
Encouraging consuming only what is needed and sharing with others

c. Process of Halal Certification

Application
Initial assessment
Pre-assessment visit
Documentation submission
On-site Audit
Evaluation
Correction of non-compliance
Follow-up audit (if needed)
Approval and certification
Ongoing compliance
Renewal
Continual improvement

d. Halal Slaughter for Meat and Poultry

The slaughterer should have the intention (niyyah) of performing the act in the name of Allah and in accordance with Islamic teachings.
Animals should be treated with kindness and not subjected to unnecessary harm or cruelty.
Recitation of blessings (bismillah) and gratitude.
Quick and clean cut is performed to ensure minimal pain and immediate loss of consciousness for the animal.
Draining blood from the body as much as possible.
The animal should be facing the Qiblah (the direction of Kaaba in Mecca).
No stunning.
The animal’s body should be handled with care after the slaughter.

e. Halal and Food Safety Addressing Common Concerns

Designated preparation areas for halal foods to prevent cross-contamination
Avoidance of certain ingredients such as pork, alcohol, and non-halal animal-derived ingredients
Inspection of reputable halal certification bodies for audits and inspections of food production facilities
Strict hygiene and sanitation practices to maintain the purity and integrity of the food
Proper labeling to inform consumers about the halal status, ingredients, and potential allergens
Implementation of a comprehensive traceability system to track ingredients, production, and distribution
Ensuring proper training to adhere to necessary halal requirements and food safety practices

f. Halal Cosmetics and Pharmaceuticals

Cosmetic ingredients derived from permissible animals must adhere to halal requirements.
Product accessories (e.g., application tools, brushes) must not contain porcine, human, or other haram materials.
Medications should be free from haram ingredients and manufactured in accordance with Islamic principles.
Production premises should be located in a contamination-free area, ensuring no risk of non-halal materials.
Halal certification from recognized Islamic authorities or organizations is essential to confirm compliance with halal standards.
Halal cosmetics and pharmaceutical products should be handled and shipped separately to avoid cross-contamination.

g. Halal Hospitality and Tourism Industry including Hotels and Travel, Hospitals and Medical Institutions

Providing halal food and beverages
Designated prayer rooms or spaces
Separate facilities for men and women (e.g., swimming pools, spa areas, prayer rooms)
Incorporation of Islamic architectural elements and design principles
Staff members trained to understand and respect Islamic customs and traditions
Entertainment and recreational activities aligning with Islamic values
Certification from recognized authorities for assurance of compliance with Islamic dietary and ethical standards

h. Halal Finance and Banking Practices

Prohibits the charging or payment of interest (riba) and promotes profit-sharing and risk-sharing arrangements between parties.
Lending and borrowing must be interest-free, and any excess payments resembling interest are considered unlawful.
Discourages excessive uncertainty, speculation, and gambling-like activities. Contracts and transactions should be clear, transparent, and free from ambiguity.
Investments in ethical and socially responsible businesses. Industries such as alcohol, gambling, pork, and other activities prohibited by Shariah are avoided.
Prohibits transactions involving trading in debt or purely monetary transactions. Transactions should be backed by real assets and economic activities.
Promotes the concept of sharing both profits and losses between parties, encouraging a more equitable distribution of risks and rewards.
Strictly prohibits transactions involving unethical practices such as bribery, fraud, and exploitation in Islamic finance.

i. Halal integrity throughout the supply chain from sourcing to retail

Maintain halal integrity of goods throughout the supply chain, from farm to fork.
Avoid cross-contamination to ensure consumables are safe for consumption.
Ensure products remain halal throughout the entire supply chain, free from any activities that may compromise their halal status.
Halal integrity guarantees safe, quality, and malpractice-free food from farm to fork.

j. Halal Labeling and Packaging Consumer Products

Materials used in the production of primary and secondary packaging must comply with halal standards.
Processes involved must be clearly labeled with a halal sign to prevent mix-ups and contamination by non-halal or najis, along with the name of the certifying authority.
Care should be taken to avoid unexpected contamination from the environment (e.g., haram pets) and manpower particulate contamination (e.g., non-halal food or dust).
Labels should not depict lascivious or provocative images, as this would classify the product as haram.
The shape of the final product or its package must not exhibit sexually suggestive human body or body parts.
Brand names should not be named or synonymously named after non-halal materials to avoid confusion.

k. Halal Awareness in Non-Muslim Context Sensitizing Business and Communities Outside Muslim-Majority Regions to Halal Concepts

Collaborate with Halal restaurants, markets, and businesses to create a supportive network for newcomers to the Halal market.
Partner with local Muslim communities and organizations to better understand their needs and preferences.
Work with relevant Halal certification authorities to ensure products and services meet Halal standards.
Display recognizable Halal certification logos on products to build trust with consumers.
Clearly label products and services as Halal to make it easier for Muslim consumers to identify them.
Conduct market research to understand the demand for Halal products and services in non-Muslim contexts.

l. Halal Standards and Regulations Familiarization with International Halal Standards and Regulations Governing Different Industries

GCC Standardization Organization (GSO) Halal Food Standards
Codex Alimentarius Commission Halal Guidelines
GCC Halal Cosmetic Standard
OIC/SMIIC Halal Tourism Standard
Global Halal Trade and Market Guidelines
Malaysian Standards on Halal (pioneer in Halal)
Local Laws (RA 10817, RA 11439, PNS on Halal, Philippine National Halal Certification Scheme and Consumer Act)

m. Halal Audit and Compliance Practical Training in Conducting Halal Audits and Ensuring Compliance with Halal Standard

Train participants in planning and preparing for a Halal audit, including understanding the scope, identifying audit objectives, and reviewing relevant documentation.
Teach auditing techniques and methodologies, including documentation review, process observation, interviews with personnel, and physical inspections.
Highlight the importance of preventing cross-contamination between Halal and non-Halal products during production, storage, and distribution.
Discuss how to ensure that suppliers and subcontractors are also compliant with Halal standards.
Train participants on maintaining accurate records of processes, ingredients, and certifications for audit purposes.
Introduce participants to auditing tools, checklists, and templates to streamline the auditing process.
Ensure participants have a solid understanding of Halal concepts, including permissible and prohibited ingredients, processes, and practices according to Islamic law.
Train participants to become Lead Halal Auditors.

j. Halal Trade and Marketing Strategies for Marketing and Promoting

Obtain recognized Halal certification from reputable certifying bodies to establish credibility and build trust with consumers.
Identify specific consumer segments interested in Halal products, such as Muslim communities, health-conscious individuals, and ethically-minded consumers.
Attend international trade shows, expos, and conferences related to Halal products and industries to showcase your offerings.
Partner with local distributors and retailers in target markets to ensure wide availability of your Halal products.

Also read: TESDA Food and Beverage Services NC II Course

Requirements

To enroll in this course, you will need the following documents:

PSA Birth Certificate
High School or College Diploma
Certified True Copy of Official Transcript of Records or Form 137
Certificate of Good Moral Character or GMRC
1 x 1 and/or 2 x 2 pictures

To obtain further details, please reach out to the enrollment site that aligns with your requirements. Kindly note that the criteria may vary.

Video: Free Tuition, Allowances, and Books at Transpo – Free Program by TESDA 2024

This video offers insight into TESDA’s free program. TESDA courses are a great way to gain new skills and knowledge, especially for those unable to afford traditional education. Want to learn more? Watch the video now!

Summary

Halal is more than just food; it encompasses a comprehensive Islamic lifestyle. TESDA offers a Halal Awareness Course to provide a deep understanding of Halal practices and principles. By completing this course, individuals gain the competencies to navigate the halal industry successfully. It opens up career opportunities and ensures compliance with halal standards, contributing to the growth of this industry.