Question 1

What is HALAL?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

What does HALAL mean to HCO?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 3

How different is HCO from other HALAL certification bodies?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 4

Does HCO compromise on animal welfare prior to and during HALAL slaughter?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 5

Does HCO recognise other HALAL certification bodies (HCB)?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 6

Does HCO believe in training?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 7

Does HCO provide certification services all over the world?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 8

Does HCO audit its certified premises?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 9

What is HCO’s stance on sustainability?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 10

Does HCO accept stunning?

Accepted Answer

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).

Question 11

Why is Halal Certification important?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 12

Do you provide consultancy services prior to the Halal Certification process starts?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 13

Are the technical and sharia auditors at HCO Ltd qualified and trained to global Halal standards?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 14

Why do businesses require the services of a leading Halal certification provider in the UK?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 15

Do you conduct regular inspections of your clients to ensure that their sites and products are Halal compliant?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 16

Do you perform DNA and other microbiological tests to ensure that your products are free of any non-Halal ingredients?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 17

Do you collaborate with local government departments to promote Halal and enhance the understanding of Halal to support communities and the consumables industries?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 18

Do you provide certification for Farms?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 19

Do you certify Restaurants for Halal compliance?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 20

Do you collaborate with educational institutions in the UK and abroad for research projects?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 21

Do we certify Halal Five Guys Stores?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 22

Does HCO certify Popeyes Restaurants?

Accepted Answer

HCO certifies selected Popeyes branches as listed on the official Popeyes website. Certification covers the full supply chain, including both meat and non-meat products. Regular audits and monitoring visits are conducted to ensure ongoing compliance with Halal standards and hygiene requirements, please visit Popeyes's official website.

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