Food Security and the Paradox of Muslim Countries By Irfan Sungkar,
Food security is undoubtedly an issue of prime importance that Muslim countries are facing today, as it penetrates to the heart of the concept of human survival.
According to the World Food Summit 1996, food security exists when all people, at all times, have physical and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food to meet their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy lifestyle.
Hence, it is not only a question of food availability, but also the ability of the population to have access to food, which is related to the distribution system, ability to pay, and so on...
The National Independent
Halaal Trust (NIHT) was formed by concerned Ulama, Muslim Traders and
Consumers. The prime objective was to ensure that the Muslim Consumer
receives a guaranteed Halaal end product. Due to the changing market
forces in the Halaal Food Industry and the usage of various natural
and synthetic flavours, emulsifiers and mixtures it has become imperative
that Muslim take cognisance of what they consume.
To this effect the NIHT has through the grace of the
Almighty managed to make great strides, not only does the NIHT involve
itself with the certifying of meat products but also various other products
from spices to medicinal products.
Some of the market leaders that the NIHT certify includes
Karan Beef, Kellogg’s, Nando’s, Ceres, Bakers, Dairy Connection,
Chubby Chick, Appletiser, Fontana Roastery, Albany Bakeries, Galito’s
as well as some Woolworth’s products.
AIMS
Providing
a workable and professional synergy between Ulama, business and the
Muslim Consumer.
Providing
a practical but professional service to the Ummah (Muslim Consumer)
guaranteeing the Ummah a Halaal end product.
Providing
a professional Halaal Monitoring System on various products and ingredients.
Providing
a better working relationship with other Halaal Certifying Authorities
to eradicate confusion and double standards in the Halaal Food Industry
culminating in a truly National Halaal Certifying Forum (NFH).
Providing
a coherent professional response to all Halaal queries and applications.
Creating
a database and website for all Halaal products and ingredients.
Taking
firm action against establishments that transgress the Shariah.
Providing
co-operation and dialogue with other Certifying Bodies internationally.
ACHIEVEMENTS
Certifies
approx. 385 establishments and companies countrywide.
Provides
employment for approx. 300 Muslim personnel to maintain and supervise
Non-Muslim Owned (NMO’s) establishments that carry the NIHT
certification.
Established
a full time team of Halaal Inspectors countrywide to maintain NIHT
Halaal Standards.
In conjunction
with the Witwatersrand Muslim Butchers Association (WMBA) certifies
in excess of 97% of the major abattoirs countrywide.
To eradicate
insinuations of monetary gains from Halaal certification, the executive
of the NIHT & WMBA offer its services gratis (free of charge)
to the Trust.
Gained
the support and confidence of Muslim Businesses and Consumers.
Founding
Members of the World Halaal Council (WHC) based in Jakarta, Indonesia.
Established
offices and representation countrywide.
Our Halaal
Certification is accepted Worldwide and the NIHT is recognized by
South African Meat Industry Corporation (SAMIC), Department of Trade
& Industry (DTI), State Veterinary Department, Consumer Goods
Council of South Africa (CGCSA) as well as the Organisation of Islamic
Countries (OIC).
The NIHT
is signatories to the National Halaal Forum (NHF).
