Frequently Asked Questions

Halal is an Arabic word which essentially means “permissible or allowed” according to the holy book Quran and the teaching of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) for Muslims.

Haram (forbidden) is the opposite word to halal, and means not allowed to eat and use according to Islamic dietary laws.

HCO believes in, and promotes ‘Halal’ as synonymous with Healthy and Hygienic. This message is consistently conveyed to our community and our customers.

HCO is proud to boast a team of highly trained professionals who have relevant experiences in their respective areas of expertise including doctorates in Islamic theology, meat science, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, veterinary and medical doctors etc.

We are committed to critically examining any products certified as Halal by us, in order to provide peace of mind to the HALAL consumer.

Our trained inspectors and qualified auditors complete their due diligence at every slaughterhouse with a zero tolerance approach to animal welfare in accordance with the teachings of Islam and the laws of the land.

Due to the high standard of our operations, HCO carefully scrutinises HCBs to ensure that only the genuine ones are recognised by us. We currently have mutual recognition with selected HCBs within the EU and further afield.

HCO is run by technically qualified professionals in their respective fields, who have a mission to provide training and education at every level within the industry and the community, because there is always scope for learning and improving.

Appropriate training can be provided by a recognised and approved Halal training provider in Halal Compliance. Please contact HCO for a list of approved Halal Compliance training providers.

HCO covers global certification through its direct accreditations and recognitions. We also proactively form affiliations with other halal certification bodies globally and keep abreast of any changes in the Halal regulations in different parts of the world.

HCO is accredited and approved in GCC countries, SFDA, SASO, MOIAT, Middle East, MUIS (Singapore), CICOT (Thailand), BPJPH (Indonesia), SMIIC (Ref- OIC Halal Standard-57 Muslim Countries), IMNOR (Morocco), and Malaysia through our partner organisations.

HCO conducts a risk-based assessment for each site, and depending on the level of risk, sites can be audited annually, twice, or more frequently every year. HCO also supervises halal slaughtering at abattoirs and high-risk premises at regular intervals, both announced and unannounced.

HCO encourages its clients to adopt sustainable business practices where possible, because as Muslims, the Quran teaches us that it is our responsibility to protect our planet just as it has protected us.

As Muslims, we are taught that the Earth is an ‘Amana’ or Trust that we have welcomed from Allah. Therefore, every Muslim is responsible for the safety of the planet in order to allow all living beings to thrive. By promoting sustainable practices, HCO is committed to fulfilling its service to the planet Earth.

At HCO, we ONLY allow approved methods of stunning for animal slaughter, ensuring full compliance with Islamic Sharia principles and unwavering commitment to animal welfare; all animals must be alive at the time of slaughter. The slaughterer must be Muslim, trained, and approved by the FSA and HCO with a competence certificate. Additionally, we adhere to major Islamic countries' Halal standards like GSO standards (GCC countries), Indonesia, Malaysia, and SMIIC (OIC - Halal standards for 57 Muslim countries).

Halal Certification is important as it ensures that products and services comply with Islamic dietary laws, providing assurance to consumers that the products are permissible and meet specific quality standards.

Yes, we offer consultancy services to assist businesses before the Halal Certification process begins. Our experts provide guidance on meeting the necessary requirements and preparing for certification.

Yes, the technical and sharia auditors at HCO Ltd are highly qualified and trained to meet global Halal standards. They undergo rigorous training and certification processes to ensure compliance with international Halal requirements.

Partnering with a reputable Halal certification body is essential for businesses aiming to access and expand into global Halal markets. HCO is one of the UK’s leading third-party accredited and internationally recognised Halal certification bodies. We support businesses in meeting the Halal requirements necessary for export, covering a wide range of consumable products — from meat and poultry to packaging materials, specialty chemicals, and renewable products. Our team of highly qualified and experienced industry experts ensures that your products meet the highest standards of Halal compliance and market acceptability.

Yes, we conduct regular inspections of our clients to ensure that their sites and products are Halal compliant. Our thorough inspection processes help maintain the integrity of Halal standards.

Yes, we conduct DNA and other microbiological tests to ensure that our products are free of any non-Halal ingredients. These tests help us maintain the purity and compliance of our products with Halal standards.

Yes, we actively collaborate with local government departments to promote Halal and enhance the understanding of Halal within communities and the consumables industries. Our partnerships aim to support and strengthen the Halal ecosystem.

Yes, HCO Ltd provides certification services for Farms to ensure compliance with Halal standards.

Yes, HCO Ltd provides certification services for Restaurants to ensure compliance with Halal standards.

Yes, HCO Ltd actively participates in research projects with educational institutions both in the UK and abroad.

We, HCO (Halal Certification Organisation Ltd), certify that certain FIVE GUYS store(s) comply with Halal standards, covering not only meat but also the entire supply chain, including non-meat products.

Please note that the FIVE GUYS does not offer bacon, hot dogs, or alcohol at its Halal-certified stores.

For the latest updates on Halal-certified FIVE GUYS locations, please visit FIVE GUYS' official website.