By Debbie Too
THE Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources (MIPR) is developing guidelines for manufacturing and handling halal cosmetic products for possible future investments.
On the sidelines of yesterday’s second International Symposium on Halal Science and Innovative Product Development held at the Rizqun International Hotel, MIPR Permanent Secretary Hajah Normah Suria Hayati Pehin Jawatan Dalam Seri Maharaja Dato Seri Utama (Dr) Haji Awang Mohd Jamil Al-Sufri, said that cosmetics need to be halal for Muslim users.
Cosmetics, she said, are the next products to get guidelines after the MIPR created them for food and traditional medicine.
“Most of the cosmetics now contain placenta and non-halal ingredients, and we don’t want to be associated with that because of our prayers,” she said.
The guidelines will start with “simple products”, such as lotions and soaps and so on, with the second phase covering cosmetics development, she added.
“We want to develop food first, but we need to have this ready, so when the opportunity comes for business, we will be ready for it,” she said.
The permanent secretary said that the guidelines for manufacturing and handling halal cosmetic products are being developed to address requirements and fulfill the religious duty of collective obligation.
They are also aimed at enhancing trade and business.
Hajah Normah said in her keynote address that MIPR has published and launched the PBD 24:2007 Standard for Halal Food, and the GD24:2010 on the Brunei Darussalam Guidelines for Manufacturing and Handling of Halal Medicinal Products, Traditional Medicines and Health Supplements.
She added that the MIPR is also in the process of drafting the Brunei Darussalam Standard for Halal Logistics.
“These contributions mark our commitment to halal products and services of uncompromising quality and strong Islamic values that consistently meet international standards for health and safety, as well as international best practices,” she said, adding that they represent the “underlying spirit of Brunei Halal Certification.
The Brunei Times