Food Labeling Decision Process

This document outlines the specific criteria and decision processes used to assign Halal, Vegan, and Vegetarian labels in our food catalog. We strictly adhere to international standards ISO 23662:2021 and OIC/SMIIC 1:2019 to ensure global consistency and trust.

1. Halal Labeling

Standard: OIC/SMIIC 1:2019 - General Requirements for Halal Food

Decision Process

To determine if a product is Halal, we apply the criteria defined by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Standards and Metrology Institute for Islamic Countries (SMIIC).

1. Certified Status:

   • Check: Does the product bear a Halal certificate/logo from a body accredited under OIC/SMIIC standards?
   • Action: If yes, mark as Halal.

2. Ingredient & Process Screening (If not certified):

   • Check: Review ingredients and production against OIC/SMIIC 1:2019 requirements.
   • Action:
     • Mark as Non-Halal (Haram) if it contains:
       • Pork/Swine and its by-products (Lard, Gelatin from pork).
       • Alcohol (Ethanol): Intoxicating beverages or food with >0.1% ethanol (or as per local fatwa variations allowed by standard).
       • Carnivorous animals (lions, wolves, etc.) and Birds of Prey (eagles, vultures).
       • Blood and its by-products.
       • Dead animals (Carrion) or animals not slaughtered according to Islamic rites (Tasmiyah, cutting jugular veins/carotid arteries/trachea/esophagus).
       • Human-derived ingredients (e.g., L-cysteine from human hair).
     • Flag for Investigation if:
       • Meat/Poultry source is unspecified (must be Halal slaughtered).
       • Enzymes/Gelatin source is unspecified (must be from permissible animals slaughtered Halal or microbial/plant).
       • Cross-contamination risk: Produced on shared lines with non-Halal products without ritual cleansing (Najis).

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2. Vegan Labeling

Standard: ISO 23662:2021 - Definitions and technical criteria for foods and food ingredients suitable for vegetarians or vegans

Decision Process

To determine if a product is Vegan, we apply the ISO 23662:2021 technical criteria.

1. Certified Status:

   • Check: Does the product bear a recognized Vegan trademark that aligns with ISO 23662?
   • Action: If yes, mark as Vegan.

2. Ingredient & Process Screening (If not certified):

   • Check: Ensure NO ingredients, additives, carriers, flavorings, enzymes, or processing aids of animal origin are used at any stage.
   • Action:
     • Mark as Non-Vegan if it contains:
       • Flesh of any animal (Meat, Poultry, Fish, Shellfish).
       • Animal Products: Milk, Dairy, Eggs, Honey, Bee products (Royal Jelly, Beeswax, Propolis).
       • Animal-derived additives: Gelatin, Isinglass, Cochineal/Carmine (E120), Shellac (E904), Lanolin (E913), Vitamin D3 (from wool grease), Bone Char (sugar processing).
     • Flag for Investigation if:
       • "Natural Flavors" or "Mono/Di-glycerides" are of unspecified origin.
       • GMOs: Contains GMOs with animal genes (prohibited by standard).

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3. Vegetarian Labeling

Standard: ISO 23662:2021 - Definitions and technical criteria for foods and food ingredients suitable for vegetarians or vegans

Decision Process

To determine if a product is Vegetarian (specifically Ovo-lacto-vegetarian as the general default), we apply ISO 23662:2021 criteria.

1. Certified Status:

   • Check: Does the product bear a recognized Vegetarian trademark?
   • Action: If yes, mark as Vegetarian.

2. Ingredient & Process Screening (If not certified):

   • Check: Ensure NO ingredients of animal origin (flesh) are used, while allowing specific animal-produced goods.
   • Action:
     • Mark as Non-Vegetarian if it contains:
       • Flesh of any animal (Meat, Poultry, Fish, Shellfish).
       • Slaughter by-products: Gelatin, Animal Rennet, Isinglass, Cochineal/Carmine, Animal Fats (Lard, Suet).
     • Permitted Ingredients (Mark as Vegetarian):
       • Milk & Dairy Products (Lacto-vegetarian).
       • Eggs & Egg Products (Ovo-vegetarian).
       • Honey & Bee Products.
       • Wool-derived products (e.g., Lanolin) - Allowed under ISO 23662 for Vegetarians.

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Summary Table for App Info Panel

Label	Standard	Key Rule	Common "Watch Out" Ingredients
Halal	OIC/SMIIC 1:2019	No pork, alcohol, blood, or non-ritual slaughter.	Gelatin, Enzymes, Whey, Alcohol, Lard, Unspecified Meat.
Vegan	ISO 23662:2021	No animal origin ingredients or processing aids at all.	Milk, Eggs, Honey, Carmine, Gelatin, D3, Shellac, Bone Char.
Vegetarian	ISO 23662:2021	No animal flesh/slaughter products. Dairy/Eggs/Honey OK.	Gelatin, Animal Rennet, Carmine, Lard, Suet, Fish Sauce.