To strengthen the halal ecosystem, the Halal Inspection Body (LPH) LPPOM launched a pilot meat grinding project in Makassar, which holds a BPJPH certificate. This step represents a genuine concern of LPH LPPOM to address one of the biggest challenges in the halal supply chain in Indonesia, specifically in the early stages of production, such as meat grinding services. This will facilitate the certification of meat derivative products, such as meatballs, more quickly and easily.
The halal supply chain in Indonesia continues to face various challenges. One of them is the potential for contamination by non-halal materials during the initial processing. Meat grinding services are a critical component in the halal food production system. Many grinding facilities do not separate tools or areas for halal and non-halal products, thereby creating the risk of mixing haram or unclean materials.
The meat grinding process often does not meet strict halal standards. Cross-contamination between halal and non-halal ingredients frequently occurs due to the use of the same equipment or the addition of spices that are not necessarily halal. This situation risks compromising the halal status of the product, despite using meat that conforms to Islamic law.
To answer this challenge, LPH LPPOM initiated a pilot project for a halal meat grinding facility. This project aims to establish a standard model for grinding services that aligns with the principles of the Halal Product Assurance System (SJPH), encompassing the cleanliness of equipment, separation of time and space, and operator training.
The cities of Bogor and Makassar were chosen as pilot locations because both are centers of food industry activity and have high needs for meat grinding services. The facilities built or fostered in this project will become a national reference in the management of professional and guaranteed halal grinding.
Through this project, LPH LPPOM presents a solution by introducing a grinding system that is clean, safe, and compliant with Sharia principles. The goal is clear: to ensure the halalness of the product throughout the entire production process.
The meat grinding sector is the primary focus of LPH LPPOM, as it is considered one of the most significant risks associated with the mixing process. The President Director of LPH LPPOM, Muti Arintawati, explained this during the inauguration of the “Lanose Meat and Frozen Food Grinding” event held by LPH LPPOM in South Sulawesi Province, Makassar, some time ago.
“We chose meat grinding because the potential for mixing halal and haram meat is very high, likewise with the use of additional spices whose halal status is not clear. Many customers, such as meatball traders or restaurants, bring their meat and spices from outside. The majority of them are Micro and Small Business (MSME) actors,” said Muti.
This pilot project is expected to serve as a model that can be replicated in various other regions, while also supporting MSME actors in accessing halal-certified meat processing services that guarantee their halal status.
This pilot project is expected to serve as a model that can be replicated in various regions of Indonesia. Its presence is not only a solution to the problem of halalness in the early stages of production, but also a breath of fresh air for Micro and Small Enterprises (MSMEs). Through this facility, business actors now have easier access to halal meat processing services, making it easier for MSME actors to obtain halal certificates. Meanwhile, the Director of LPH LPPOM of South Sulawesi Province, Raudhatul Jannah Syarief, expressed his gratitude and thanks to all parties who have contributed, especially LPH LPPOM, in establishing the Lanose halal meat mill.
“This mill is an important milestone in providing halal meat services with guaranteed quality. This is a real form of LPH LPPOM’s contribution to the community. We hope that in the future Lanose can have a big impact in meeting the need for halal meat, especially for the people of Makassar and South Sulawesi,” said Raudhatul.
As is known, Makassar is a culinary city renowned for its variety of meat-based dishes. Responding to this, his party stated that the presence of the Lanose halal meat mill will open up wider market opportunities, as well as address the need for halal meat processing services.
LPH LPPOM’s steps in strengthening focus from the upstream side align with Indonesia’s vision to become the Centre of the world’s halal industry. By enhancing critical points in the supply chain, including grinding services, Indonesia is increasingly ready to compete in the global halal product market.
In addition to launching a pilot project for halal meat grinding in Bogor and Makassar, LPH LPPOM also provides halal certification facilities to 103 meat grinding services spread across 19 provinces. This is a series of activities of the Syawal Festival, which is consistently carried out every year. (ZUL)
