State of India Removes Halal Standards for Food, Beverage Products

"Propaganda against halal is driven by politics and communal thinking. This will erode trust in Indian companies that use halal labels to export cosmetics, meat, poultry and food," he said, as quoted by The Sundaily, Monday, November 20, 2023.

He also revealed that a large number of companies that approach his organization are owned by non-Muslims and they seek advice on Shariah standards because they want to attract Muslim customers.

"We advise them on what is halal and what is prohibited and how they can make their products suitable for Muslim consumers by following certain rules. This helps them in growing their business," Habib said.

About 20 percent of Uttar Pradesh's 240 million people are Muslims, while India's Muslim population exceeds 200 million.

Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind said that the allegations against halal certification are baseless and an attempt to spread misinformation.

Some people commenting on social media pointed out that India is a major exporter of buffalo meat produced in halal-certified factories.

The chairman of the Halal Council said that consumers should be free to decide whether they want to buy halal-labeled products or not.

"People should be free to choose their products. For example, some bread companies label their products as egg-free because some people in India do not eat eggs. Similarly, companies label their products as suitable for both vegetarian and non-vegetarian consumers," Habib said.

"India should look to Malaysia, where the halal trade is booming due to high certification standards," he concluded.