Canada’s Halal Monitoring Authority to simplify certification process

The Halal Monitoring Authority (HMA) is simplifying halal certification by integrating directly into existing supply chains and work with businesses looking to enter into the market.

This HMA ensures that all certified products pass key Islamic standards, both religiously as well as ethically. The HMA formed after the discovery of malpractices within the community and stepped in to be a trusted source and voice of authority when it comes to validating and educating on what is acceptable for halal consumers within Canada.

The HMA team consists of in-house food scientists, ingredient specialists and over 20 on-site inspectors that work with internal research and development departments to help source and validate each ingredient in a product in order to prepare it for certification and entry into the halal consumer market.

“We’ve worked with mom and pop shops all the way up to large-scale suppliers and CPG brands to ensure there is quality in the product that is being produced from a halal perspective,” said Omar Subedar, COO of HMA. “The halal consumer is a part of a tightly-knit community and the influence the HMA has on what is fit to consume and what is certified over what we will not certify makes all the difference when it comes to serving this market.”

The HMA is the only certifying body in Canada that monitors at every step. Various HMA clients have seen an increase in sales due to the trust factor that comes with this label on their packaging. The HMA works closely to recommend adjustments and simplify operations in order to allow companies to be confident in the product they are distributing to the Muslim community.

As the demand for halal increases, this is becoming a key market for suppliers, brands and CPGs in Canada. Stats Canada has projected the Muslim population to exceed the size of the Chinese Canadian market by 2021. Preparation and early planning will give brands the foundation to scale up in the coming years.