JEDDAH — The Council of Ministers approved the launch of the national system for dealing with halal products. This was after reviewing the minutes of the committee formed to carry out studies on the subject of supervising the slaughter of halal meat exported to the Kingdom, and the recommendation of the Council of Economic and Development Affairs (CEDA) last year.

Minister of Media Turki Al-Shabanah said the Cabinet approved the system in a way that guarantees the following conditions.

1- The Saudi Standardization, Metrology and Quality Organization shall undertake the tasks of acceptance and accreditation of bodies that grant halal certificates. The organization shall request the Islamic Commissions, Centers and Unions in the countries, which are exporting meat to the Kingdom and are wishing to grant halal certificates from the National Organization for Dealing with Halal Products, a certificate of recommendation from the agency determined by the authority as it deems appropriate for each country.

2. The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has to take the necessary measures to establish the Halal Center to be an independent body for granting certificates.

The minister said the Cabinet decided to change the name of the Center for Preparation and Development of Administrative Leaderships, which was established at the Institute of Public Administration by an earlier decision, to the Academy for the Development of Administrative Leaders.

This was after reviewing the recommendation of Minister of Civil Service and Chairman of the board of directors of the Institute of Public Administration, and recommendation of the Council of Economic and Development Affairs. — SG/SPA