Where mosques are no longer shuttered and community gatherings are allowed with tight restrictions, Muslims around the world are observing Ramadan in the second year since the global pandemic claimed its first victim.

Unlike last year, hotels and restaurants are now back in business offering iftar treats for all Muslim fasters to look forward to for communal feasts and family gatherings after observing 2020’s holy month behind closed doors.

COVID-19 economic recovery attractive discounts and offers may be hard to resist but ensuring that the eateries are halal-certified is paramount to ensure safety and cleanliness.

It is not a surprise to find out that even famous restaurants and luxury hotel kitchens have been caught having poor cleanliness.

Dirty freezers, poor hygiene practice by the kitchen staff members and the kitchen and utensils that are not properly cleaned are just some of the common findings reported by the authorities.

In some cases, cobwebs are even spotted on the walls and roofs of the kitchen with freshly prepared food is left uncovered.

The next time you are going to any hotel buffet or restaurant, always look for a recognised halal certification and logo as strict guidelines and standards are being adhered to by a halal certificate holder.

Other than Halal Malaysia, there are hundreds of certification bodies worldwide, but there are only 84 from 46 countries that are recognised under International Halal Authority Board (IHAB) and it is crucial to know each of them.

As for the industry players, getting your business halal-certified may seem quite a challenging task but it rewards its certificate holder with undoubted trust gained from consumers upon seeing your halal certification on display in front of your eatery.

Reach out to Serunai Halal Centre of Excellence for halal certification consultation and guidance. Click the link here to find out more.