Thailand: Thai research projects win World Halal Research Excellence Awards

BANGKOK — Two research studies from Chulalongkorn University won World Halal Research Excellence awards at the recent World Halal Research Summit 2011, the Thai Government Public Relations Department said.

The summit, which was held in Kuala Lumpur early this month, gathered scientists, researchers, academics, and industrial operators who exchanged views on new research findings, technologies, innovations, and challenges in the global halal industry.

The report said there were 57 research entries from various countries, such as Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Pakistan, South Africa, and Thailand.

The top award was given to the HAL-Q system developed by Chulalongkorn University’s Halal Science Center, which was an integration of the Codex standard, the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP), and the Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) in accordance with Islamic law.

The other research study from Thailand, which won the third prize, involves a study of a parameter in the scientific laboratory which examines animals to ensure that they have not been treated inhumanely before being slaughtered.

Thai halal food is popular not only among Muslims but also non-Muslim consumers.

“A large number of health-conscious consumers are interested in this kind of food as well, because its production process focuses on hygienic standards,” the report said.