Beyond Certification: Understanding Risks in Halal Animal Feed Supply Chains

Animal feed is a crucial point of control in the production of halal animal-based food. Improper feeding practices repeatedly reported in the media have contributed to the issuance of Fatwas on the impermissibility of animals fed with non-halal feed or impurities in 2007. Hence, feeding animals with Halal feed would be a judicious effort to solve these problems. Nevertheless, in the production and supply chain of halal animal feed, numerous risks must be considered concerning the feeds safety, quality, and halal integrity. The use of non-halal ingredients in animal feed can render the animals non-halal for consumption, as stated by the Malaysia National Fatwa. Additionally, even if the feed is initially halal, it can become non-halal through contamination with non-halal additives, equipment, or utensils. Therefore, a halal risk assessment is necessary to identify and analyze potential contamination risks during feed production. This study focuses on analyzing halal risks in animal feed production in Malaysia, employing qualitative research methodology by utilising a library research approach to identify these risks. In addition, the identification of activities involved in the feed supply chain will also help to analyze the risks. Developing a halal risk analysis and risk ranking matrix is essential for creating a Halal Risk Management Plan for feed production. This framework will benefit feed manufacturers by preventing contamination and assisting Halal authorities in establishing specific standards for halal feed production.