Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — In a significant move toward enhancing halal product quality assurance, the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has signed separate memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with Indonesia’s Halal Product Assurance Organizing Body (BPJPH) and the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura).

The MoU with BPJPH aims to establish cooperation on the mutual recognition of halal certificates. This includes the development of procedures for conformity assessment, standard specifications, and technical regulations for issuing halal certificates. The agreement ensures mutual recognition for exported local products and promotes the exchange of expertise and knowledge in training, research, and laboratory analysis for halal products. The signing ceremony took place between SFDA CEO Hisham Aljadhey and BPJPH Head Muhammad Aqil Irham.

The second MoU with the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore mirrors the objectives of the first, focusing on conformity assessment, standard specifications, and technical regulations for halal certificates. It also emphasizes mutual recognition for exported local products and the exchange of expertise in various areas related to halal product quality assurance. The MoU was signed by SFDA's Hisham Aljadhey and the Chief Executive of the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore, in the presence of Saudi Arabia's Minister of Energy Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman.

Both agreements signify the commitment of the involved parties to strengthen cooperation in ensuring the quality and recognition of halal products. The SFDA's efforts, including the establishment of the Saudi Halal Center, align with the National Transformation Program's initiatives, aiming to facilitate import and export procedures and support the global competitiveness of local products.