Nestle Develops Center of Halal Competence

Nestle is developing Nestle Malaysia into a center of competence for its halal food worldwide. The company is working closely with a religious department in Malaysia, Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia (JAKIM) in getting the halal certification and endorsement of its manufacturing operation and the raw materials used in the company's products.

Not only are the raw materials used in the manufacture of halal but also its operations have to conform to requirements which adhere to Muslims religious practice, according to Nestle S.A. VP Lim Khing Fong. Nestle's Malaysian employees based at Swiss headquarters are responsible for ensuring that halal is well understood and that they are the ones who are auditing the Nestle European factories to ensure that the company keeps to that commitment.

"I used the word audit, but it is actually a detailed visit to satisfy the Malaysian religious authority," Lim explained.

Several of Nestle's factories catering for Muslim markets have sought Nestle Malaysia's assistance in getting the necessary certification.