Product Offerings
Products:
Certification Services: Halal Product Certification, Halal Hospitality Certification
Auditing Services: Audits & Evaluation, Products Evaluation, Export Certification, Group Certification, Inspections
Media Gallery
Do you know about the HFA?
The Halal Food Authority (HFA), established in the United Kingdom, is a pioneering not-for-profit organization committed to regulating and certifying halal compliance across the food and beverage sector. Recognized as one of the foremost halal certification bodies in the UK, HFA plays a vital role in ensuring that halal food products and services meet stringent Islamic dietary requirements, while also aligning with international food safety and hygiene standards.
History and Mission
Founded in 1994, the HFA emerged to fill a significant gap in halal certification amidst rising concerns among Muslim consumers regarding the authenticity of halal claims. Over the decades, HFA has built a reputation for its strict adherence to Islamic jurisprudence and scientific principles, positioning itself as a trusted authority both in the UK and globally.
Its mission is to uphold transparency, integrity, and technical accuracy in halal certification, thereby enhancing consumer trust and facilitating market access for businesses adhering to halal standards.
Core Business and Services
HFA’s core activities revolve around halal certification, monitoring, auditing, and compliance assessment. These services are designed to support manufacturers, suppliers, exporters, and hospitality operators to gain credibility and market recognition.
Key Services:
- Halal Certification: Covers slaughterhouses, food and beverage manufacturers, catering services, and cosmetics.
- Export Certification: Provides necessary documentation to facilitate halal product exports to the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and other Islamic regions.
- Group Certification: For businesses with multiple product lines or outlets.
- Auditing and Inspection: Routine and unannounced inspections, product traceability evaluations, and supply chain audits.
- Halal Hospitality Certification: Designed for hotels, airlines, and institutional caterers.
Specialization and Unique Value Proposition
HFA differentiates itself through:
- Shariah Compliance Board: Comprising Islamic scholars and technical experts who oversee and validate all certification decisions.
- Multi-level Auditing Framework: Includes real-time CCTV monitoring of slaughter processes, traceability audits, and annual recertification procedures.
- Global Recognition: Accepted in multiple OIC (Organisation of Islamic Cooperation) member countries, enhancing export potential for certified entities.
Financials and Operational Footprint
As a not-for-profit body, HFA does not disclose traditional revenue or profit figures. However, the organization's influence and scope are evident from the volume of its certifications and partnerships.
- Number of Certified Entities (2023): Over 450 companies certified across the UK and Europe.
- Countries with Active Certification Programs: 14+ countries, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Turkey, and Indonesia.
Shipment and Export Data
According to data from ImportYeti and Volza, HFA-certified companies are actively involved in the export of halal goods to the Middle East, North Africa, and Southeast Asia.
- Export Support Certifications Issued (2023): Over 2,000
- Top Export Destinations: UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, and Malaysia
Target Markets
HFA primarily serves:
- Food Manufacturers & Processors
- Exporters targeting Islamic markets
- Retailers and wholesalers of halal products
- Hospitality sector including hotels, airlines, and catering firms
- Slaughterhouses and meat processors
Capabilities and Infrastructure
- Inspection Team: Comprises over 40 trained inspectors and auditors across the UK and Europe.
- Digital Systems: Integrated certification portal for real-time tracking and document access.
- Multilingual Support: Arabic, Urdu, English, and Turkish support for certification documentation and audits.
Certifications and Compliance
- ISO 17065 Accreditation: HFA operates in compliance with ISO/IEC 17065:2012, the international standard for certification bodies.
- UKAS Monitoring: Periodic oversight by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service ensures technical and procedural integrity.
- Approved by GSO (Gulf Standardization Organization) and several GCC food authorities.
Customer Testimonials
“We’ve worked with the Halal Food Authority for over five years, and their thorough, professional, and trusted certification has helped us unlock new export markets across the Middle East.”
— Operations Director, UK Meat Exporter
“HFA certification gives our Muslim customers the confidence they need. Their rigorous inspections ensure complete transparency.”
— Retail Chain Manager, London
Recognitions and Achievements
- First UK Halal Certification Body to Implement Real-time CCTV Monitoring in Slaughterhouses (2009)
- Regularly Featured in DEFRA and FSA consultations on halal food standards
- Contributing Member to OIC Halal Standards Committee
The Halal Food Authority continues to lead in the assurance of halal integrity in the UK and beyond, serving as a beacon of trust for consumers and a catalyst of growth for businesses seeking halal market access.