Cross-contamination in processing, packaging, storage, and transport in halal supply chain

Abstract A series of high profile contamination issues and scandals in recent years with top brands have shaken public confidence in the ability of manufacturers and governments to ensure the integrity of religious and cultural food. Cross-contamination of Kosher, halal, Christian, and vegetarian food can take place through entire supply chain from sourcing of raw materials to the manufacturing, transporting, storing, and handling. This has affected the halal status of the product, especially when they are in direct contact with non-halal products. Halal consumers worry whether the halal status of the food products can be guaranteed throughout the supply chain since most food products are now sourced from various parts of the world, including non-Muslim countries. This paper discusses the cross-contamination issues that exist during the processing, packaging, storage, and transportation of halal products.