MUI Implements Seven Terms for LSHLN

Jakarta (Antara) - Chairman of Indonesia Ulema Council (MUI) Amidhan Shaberah stated that there are seven terms that should be fulfilled by the Overseas Halal Certification Institution (LSHLN). "There are seven terms that should be fulfilled if cooperation with MUI is to be sought," Amidhan Shaberah stated here on Wednesday. Amidhan pointed out that the LSHLN should be an Islamic organization that is supported by a Muslim community, and that which has helped the local worship, educational and da'wah, and has a permanent office and quality staffs. The LSHLN also should have an advice commission with a minimum of three ulemas and scientists or halal auditor, have standard procedures that includes factory testing administration and MUI advice commission procedures. "Also, it should have good administration to facilitate the audit procedures," he pointed out. Amidhan added that the LSHLN should also have a wide network, be a member of World Halal Food Council and be capable enough to cooperate with MUI to supervise the halal food. "MUI has 44 LSHLN around the world. The only one that has a problem is Australia," he clarified. Amidhan explained that the institution that has a problem is the Australian Halal Food Services (AHFS). AHFS was suspended in April 2013 for having broken the state system; the castration in the abattoir was against the sharia law and it ignored the supervisory terms on the abattoirs. "There is also no ulema in AHFS," he pointed out. Amidhan added that the role of LSHLN was required in the halal certification process. The LSHLN admission certificate was issued for free. There are no costs, except for transportation and auditor's fee. (*) Reporting by Indriani