Jamil Khir: Secret Recipe's revocation not over halal status

KUALA LUMPUR: Restaurant chain Secret Recipe’s halal certification was revoked due to violation of Jakim’s food safety requirements.

Jakim not only looked at aspects of halalan (use of only halal items) but the toyyiban aspect (permissible for consumption under Syariah law, as long as it is safe and not harmful).

“In the case of Secret Recipe, the halalan aspect is not a problem, because it is clear they are not using products deemed as haram," said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom (pic).

“However, Secret Recipe’s food processing methods is not up to standard with the toyyiban aspect, because that involves good manufacturing practice and cleanliness in processing,” he told Idris Ahmad (PAS – Bukit Gantang) in Parliament.

Secret Recipe, with 297 branches in Malaysia and more across the region, had its halal certificate revoked by Jakim on May 7.

Jamil Khir, who is Jakim director-general, said the popular food chain could reapply for halal certification once it had adhered to the food processing methods.

“Halal and haram is not the only thing that matters when Jakim issues halal certificates, as cleanliness under the toyyiban aspect is also important.

“Jakim aims to tighten both elements of halal and cleanliness, so Muslims need not be in doubt during consumption,” he added.

To an earlier question by Datuk Seri Abdul Ghapur Salleh (BN – Kalabakan) on the number of certified halal outlets in KLIA and KLIA2, Jamil Khir said certificates were given to 17 outlets in KLIA and 12 in KLIA2.

KLIA has 62 food and beverage outlets, while KLIA2 has 66.

“Application for halal certification is voluntary but those who already have a halal certificate are required to display it in their premises, which must be in the same address as the one on the certificate.

“For food courts which share utensils, the application must involve all outlets in the food court.

"KLIA2’s food court application is being done this way, and the application process for this one is ongoing,” said Jamil Khir.