KUALA LUMPUR: The revocation of Secret Recipe's halal certificate is due to issues of hygiene violation and not related to its use of ingredients, says the Islamic Development Department (Jakim).
The offense, Jakim said, was pertaining to violations under the Malaysian Halal Certification Procedure Manual and Good Manufacturing Practice.
In a statement issued today, Jakim reassured the public that the reason for the certificate withdrawal was not in any way related to use of haram (impermissible) ingredients.
"Our halal hub division has called in the company in question and they have given their word to take immediate action with regards to the offense committed," said division director Hakimah Mohd Yusoff.
However, the withdrawal of the certificate dated May 7, Hakimah said, did not deter the company from reapplying for a new halal certificate.
"The withdrawal does not bar them from reapplying for another halal certificate after corrective actions that comply with halal certification standards are undertaken.
"Jakim will conduct a re-evaluation of the application based on assessment and compliance of the Standard Malaysia 1500:2009 and the Malaysian Halal Certification Procedure Manual 2014," she said.
The matter was of serious concern to Jakim, Hakimah added, and this should serve as a reminder to all holders of the halal certificate to be aware and comply with halal certification standards in the country from time to time.
"Action will be taken without compromise on any parties who do not comply with Halal certification standards in the event that they were already holders of the certificate.
"Jakim would also like to remind consumers to not make speculations and spread this issue wrongly," she said adding that the halal status of any foods could be checked at Jakim's Halal Directory at www.halal.gov.my.
The public was recently rocked by news that the highly popular cake franchise had its halal status revoked, bringing into question the ingredients used in the products.