Halal Control Activities and Assurance Activities in Halal Food Logistics

Abstract Halal is extending towards logistics. This paper proposes a halal assurance system for transportation, warehousing and terminals as a proof of a halal logistics system. Next to an extensive literature review, focus group sessions have been conducted in Malaysia, the Netherlands and China in identifying halal control activities and assurance activities in logistics business processes. The findings show that product characteristics (bulk versus unitized, ambient versus a cool chain) and market requirements (Muslim versus non-Muslim country) influence the vulnerability of halal supply chains. Vulnerability is reduced through establishing halal control activities and assurance activities in logistics business processes. Vulnerability can be avoided in (parts of) the supply chain by having dedicated logistics infrastructure, like a dedicated halal warehouse and designated transport, or through containerisation at a lower level. The proposed halal assurance system can be an important instrument in organising the logistics of halal food chains in Muslim and non-Muslim countries.

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