Uttar Pradesh Prohibits Halal Certification for Local Consumption, Citing Quality Control Concerns

The Uttar Pradesh government has implemented a ban on the production, storage, distribution, and sale of locally consumed food, medicines, and cosmetic items carrying Halal certification, effective immediately. This decision, rooted in safeguarding public health and avoiding confusion, asserts the state’s commitment to quality control and adherence to the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

The Uttar Pradesh Food Commissioner’s order deems Halal certification, though compliant with Islamic law, as a parallel system that clouds assessments of food quality, contradicting the specified Act. The directive exempts Halal-certified goods produced for export while warning of strict repercussions for violators.

This action follows the state’s filing of cases against firms allegedly using fake documents to sell ‘Halal certified’ products. Entities such as Halal India Private Limited Chennai, Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind Halal Trust Delhi, and others face charges for exploiting religious sentiments to bolster sales.