Japan to check domestic halal standards, compliance
In response to a growing number of Muslim visitors, Japan will survey the nation’s halal certification process to help ensure that halal food offered by domestic restaurants complies with Islamic tenets.
By strengthening confidence in its halal certification, Japan also hopes to boost exports of farm produce and other products to Islamic countries.
Muslims are prohibited from consuming pork and alcohol, with strict rules governing the sourcing and processing of food, pharmaceuticals and other products. The lack of a common international standard for halal certification and the resulting differences between nations have led to problems.
In Japan alone, dozens of organizations issue halal certification signs displayed by restaurants. A government task force will examine these organizations and look into halal certification standards. This team, consisting of officials from various ministries, will hold its first meeting on Tuesday.