A new organisation Halal Food Information Centre (HFIC) UK has been formed to protect, defend and advance Halal in the UK.
The market has seen a considerable rise in false and inaccurate reporting of halal by segments of the media and right-leaning institutions over the last couple of decades. This has not only increased Islamophobia amongst the masses but has also impacted the cohesion of Muslim communities within Britain’s multicultural society.
In order to address the negative portrayal of halal food and its consumption, the concept of establishing a central Halal PR institution in the UK was formed. The primary objective of such an organisation is to educate people on halal principles, defend halal against malicious propaganda and support the halal food sector with expert advice and training.
EQL has always been proactive in the promotion and development of the halal sector with its particular interest in the UK and European meat industry. With its experience and standing in the industry, EQL was delighted to play a leading role in forming the Halal Food Information Centre (HFIC) UK as a founding member.
HFIC started off with three founding members and an associate member. Its functions and operations are governed by a constitution setting out rules and policies on memberships, management, campaigns, finances and HR.
HFIC’s vision and purpose are as follows:
- To form a hub for the handling of all media and public enquiries relating to Halal
food in the UK - To encourage collaboration between stakeholders with a view to clarify
misconceptions about Halal in the media, to the Muslim Community as well to
reduce resistance to recognise Halal as a mark of quality, traceability and added
value - To proactively institute measures aimed at conveying the practical application of
the Halal ethos and its underlying principles e.g. increasing standards and training - To engage with Halal certification bodies nationally to achieve a degree of
harmony through transparency, communication, and identification of key
fundamental requirements of Halal Standards and practices. - To raise awareness regarding Halal food fraud that takes place in the UK and
strategize to implement best practices to remedy such practices by engaging with
multiple stakeholders within the meat/poultry food market.
EQL will continue its support for upcoming campaigns, ongoing management and media liaison of HFIC. We encourage and invite Halal stakeholders and food industry players to join HFIC and participate in the development, protection and improvement of the halal sector which is set to achieve rapid economic growth in the coming years and decades.
If you are in the sector register your interest in joining HFIC by emailing hello@hfic.org.uk.
If you are a Halal consumer support HFIC with donations here.
As a founding member, we take pride in this initiative to protect, defend and advance halal in the UK. We hope others can play their part by joining, supporting and donating to the cause!