General Guidelines For Use Of The Term “HALAL”
CAC/GL 24-1997 1

The Codex Alimentarius Commission accepts that there may be minor differences in opinion in the interpretation of lawful and unlawful animals and in the slaughter act, according to the different Islamic Schools of Thought. As such, these general guidelines are subjected to the interpretation of the appropriate authorities of the importing countries. However, the certificates granted by the religious authorities of the exporting country should be accepted in principle by the importing country, except when the latter provides justification for other specific requirements.

Scope

These guidelines recommend measures to be taken on the use of Halal claims in food labeling.

These guidelines apply to the use of the term halal and equivalent terms in claims as defined in the General Standard for the Labeling of Prepackaged Foods and include its use in trade marks, brand names and business names.

These guidelines are intended to supplement the Codex General Guidelines on Claims and do not supersede any prohibition contained therein.

The Codex General Guidelines for the Use of the Term “Halal” were adopted by the Codex Alimentarius
Commission at its 22nd Session, 1997. They have been sent to all Member Nations and Associate Members of FAO and WHO as an advisory text and it is for individual governments to decide what use they wish to make of theGuidelines.