Pre-audit documents inspection

Once the application is received from the client and it is reviewed by the certification department to ensure that it meets the basic halal standards requirements. If not, the pre-audit site inspection is conducted to review the site by the competent lead technical auditor and advise them if any amendments/modifications in the premises or processing lines are required. Once the client has made amendments and verified them by the auditor. The site is ready for the pre-audit inspection and document review.

If the site meets the halal standards, it will go straight to the product approval process and certification, which requires the following information/process

Document review and product approval

The raw material specifications, ingredient formulations, and halal suitability documents are reviewed and approved by a qualified food technologist. At least one product approval is required to initiate the site audit. Once the review is complete, the documents are submitted to the certification committee for evaluation. Upon approval, the decision is forwarded to the audit department for further processing.”

Pre-adult documents

Once the product approval process is complete, the audit department assigns a technical lead auditor based on the agreed date with the client. The auditor will then contact the client and provide necessary documents, including company information, a pre-audit questionnaire, and a halal statement. Upon receiving the completed documents from the client, the auditor will issue the audit agenda.

Site inspection and audit

Auditor briefed the client about the company details. Audit and certification process in the opening meeting.

An audit opening meeting sets the stage for the audit process by establishing expectations and ensuring clarity among all participants. Key topics typically discussed includes:

Introduction of team, Purpose and Scope, Audit Plan Confirmation Roles and Responsibilities, Confidentiality, Reporting Process, opportunity for Questions

The auditor visit the site and review the following documents:

Documentation review as per the halal standards requirement provided by the company

Site tour (raw materials and finished goods warehouse, production process and processing lines, Food safety process control, staff training competency checks)

Product traceability for the approved product

At the end of the audit, closing meeting, the auditor discussed any gaps, non-compliance with the client, once agreed, and the non-conformance report will be sent to the client for final submission with supporting documentation

Once a non-conformance report with supporting documents is received by the auditor, and upon satisfactory evidence, it is submitted to the audit department for review, and the audit department will submit the report to the certification committee for final approval and decision. Once the decision is made, the Certification department will issue the certificate for final approval from the account/finance department

Halal Certification Audit Process:

• Site Visit & Documentation Review: The auditor visits the site and reviews documentation in accordance with halal standards provided by the company.
• Site Tour: Inspection of raw materials, finished goods warehouse, production processes, processing lines, food safety controls, and staff training competency checks.
• Product Traceability: Verification of traceability for the approved product.
• Closing Meeting: At the conclusion of the audit, the auditor discusses any identified gaps or non-compliance issues with the client. Once agreed upon, a non-conformance report is prepared and sent to the client for final submission along with supporting documentation.
• Review & Certification Process: Upon receiving the non-conformance report with supporting documents, the auditor evaluates the evidence. If satisfactory, the report is forwarded to the audit department for review, then submitted to the certification committee for final approval.
• Certificate Issuance: Once the certification committee makes a decision, the certification department issues the certificate, subject to final approval from the accounts/finance department

Audit Expenses:
The applicant shall cover the auditor’s actual expenses, including reimbursement for airfare (economy class), train tickets, local transportation (taxi), lodging and boarding at a reasonable hotel, as well as food and refreshments during travel.