Bill Aims to Set Comprehensive Regional Halal Food Standards in BARMM
The bill aims to set comprehensive regional halal food standards in all provinces and cities in the autonomous region.
Photo by Juan José Valencia Antía on Unsplash
An official of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in the Bangsamoro parliament and 26 others have filed a bill aiming to set comprehensive regional halal food standards in all provinces and cities in the autonomous region.
Romeo K. Sema, the principal author of Bill 268, the proposed Bangsamoro Halal Consumers Act, explained that the measure seeks to protect Muslims from non-permissible food and merchandise.
Halal, meaning permissible in Arabic, follows Islamic norms for food selection, preparation, and livestock slaughter.
The proposed bill would address issues such as misleading labeling and set high-quality standards for agricultural products and slaughterhouses. By enforcing halal standards, the measure aims to ensure that Muslims have access to food and products that align with their religious beliefs.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Bangsamoro Parliament’s Public Information, Publication and Media Relations Division (PIPMRD) also emphasized the “scientific wisdom” and health benefits of enforcing halal standards.
It is important to note that the bill does not impose restrictions on non-Muslim food consumption; rather, it safeguards Muslims’ rights to permissible goods.
The legislation also proposes a strict halal certification procedure for business establishments, eateries, and food producers. This certification process would ensure that the halal status of a product or establishment is verified by a recognized authority. By implementing a standardized halal certification procedure, the bill aims to provide transparency and build trust among consumers.
It is worth mentioning that nine senior non-Moro members of the Bangsamoro Business Council have expressed their support for the bill. They anticipate that setting comprehensive halal food standards will not only benefit Muslim consumers but also enhance trade relations with the Muslim community.
The proposed Bangsamoro Halal Consumers Act reflects the region’s commitment to promoting and protecting the rights and interests of its Muslim population.
By establishing comprehensive halal food standards, the bill aims to ensure that Muslims have access to halal-certified products that meet their religious requirements. This measure will not only provide clarity and transparency in the market but also contribute to the overall well-being and satisfaction of Muslim consumers in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
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