Behind the delicious dishes of a catering service, halal certification has become a crucial aspect that is now receiving significant attention from consumers. Halal certification is no longer merely a religious symbol, but also a form of legal compliance, quality assurance, and a business commitment to protecting consumer rights. Amidst the growing halal lifestyle trend, catering businesses are required to meet halal standards across the board, from raw materials and production processes to storage and presentation.Â
In the competitive catering industry, consumer trust is crucial to business success. Halal certification is now an essential requirement for building that trust. It is not only a legal obligation but also a guarantee that the products served are safe, of high quality, and align with the values held by the majority of Indonesians.
Hendra Utama, a Senior Auditor at LPPOM, emphasized that the obligation for businesses to obtain halal certification is stipulated in Act No. 33 of 2014 concerning Halal Product Assurance (UU JPH), which is further strengthened by Government Regulation No. 42 of 2024. All food products, including those from catering services, must be halal certified if they wish to be distributed in Indonesia. “This is not just a formal document, but a form of legal compliance and a commitment to consumers,” he said.
Furthermore, halal certification also has a direct impact on a business’s reputation and sustainability. Consumer awareness of halal products continues to increase. Trends now show that halal products are also in demand by non-Muslim consumers because they are considered cleaner, healthier, and safer to consume. “Halal has become a lifestyle choice, not just for Muslim consumers. This is a significant opportunity that catering businesses must seize,” Hendra explained.
Furthermore, halal certification is a form of consumer protection, especially for Muslims, who make up the majority of Indonesia. Halal-certified products offer consumers a sense of security and confidence in selecting food that aligns with their values and beliefs. Hendra emphasized, “Businesses that care about consumers will make halal a fundamental principle, not just a legal requirement.”
To obtain halal certification, catering businesses are required to implement the Halal Product Assurance System (SJPH). This requires special attention for catering services, including all kitchens, warehouses, and outlets, which must be registered. Furthermore, storage facilities, such as chillers and freezers for meat and processed products, must be dedicated to halal certification.
In practice, implementing SJPH requires consistency and commitment. However, this system creates a more orderly, clean, and transparent production process. Hendra emphasized that businesses that are committed to halal principles from the outset will find the certification process easier. “Many people think it’s complicated, but if the internal system is good, the process can run smoothly,” he said.
For catering businesses that don’t fully understand the halal certification process, the Halal Inspection Body (LPH) of LPPOM offers consultations through its Customer Care service, available by calling Call Centre 14056 or via WhatsApp at 0811-1148-696. LPPOM also has a Halal on 30 program, accessible through https://bit.ly/HalalOn30. This program is an intensive discussion forum designed to help businesses understand the stages and requirements of halal certification, tailored to the specific characteristics of each company.
LPH LPPOM consistently provides a forum for discussion with catering business owners whose products have not yet achieved halal certification through its Customer Care service, available at Call Centre 14056 or via WhatsApp at 0811-1148-696. Furthermore, business owners can learn more about the halal certification process by attending the free Introduction to Halal Certification (PSH) class, held regularly on the second and fourth weeks of each month at https://halalmui.org/pengenalan-sertifikasi-halal/.
With the growing trend of halal consciousness in the market and increasingly stringent halal regulations, halal certification for catering businesses is no longer an option. It is a strategic step to ensure quality, expand the market, and maintain customer trust. Furthermore, halal certification reflects the integrity and responsibility of business owners to consumers and the community. (YN)
