Halal Science Center aims to safeguard faith of Muslim communities worldwide

BANGKOK • Thailand's fairly large Muslim population means there is always a need for Halal food. The Halal Science Center, a part of the Bangkok's Chulalongkorn University, has been in existence since 1994.

With a vision to be a world leader in Halal science, the Center aims to develop Halal science as a discipline and undertake research and academic services to promote the quality of life. At the same time it aims safeguard the faith of Muslim communities worldwide.

The goals of The Halal Science Center are manifold. It applies science and technology to support religious requirements and spiritual safety for consumer protection. It performs research and development of analytical techniques and products in the area of Halal science, draws up lists of Haram and Halal raw materials and chemical ingredients and as provides information and knowledge to consumers and manufactures, through media and the Internet.

Spread over 500sqm on the Chulalongkorn campus, the Halal Science Center is equipped with advanced scientific equipment. It also has its share of highly-qualified scientists. The laboratory can check fatty acids profiles in animal parts, animal and plant proteins and DNA, alcohol and identify Haram products.

The use of the laboratory to check for Haram content in Halal foods was initiated as a measure to protect the Muslim consumer since 1996. Non-Muslims have also gained from the Center's work.

It has trained and educated consumers and manufacturers in Bangkok, Pattani, Yala, Narawithas, Samutprakarn, Satun, Krabi and Phuket. The Center has implemented the Hygiene, Assurance, Liability and Quality System (HAL-Q) for food manufacturers since 2003. HAL-Q is a system which integrates Halal food qualities with international food safety measures.