• Halal meat certification
 
       


certification process
The following section outlines the different stages during the certification process.

Stage 1: Proposal submission
Australian Halal Food Services prepare proposals based on client requirements. Our proposals contain no hidden costs. Clients receive a fixed total contract fee for the entire certification cycle.

Stage 2: Gap analysis audit
A gap analysis cannot be commenced until the client has accepted the Australian Halal Food Services proposal. The purpose of the gap analysis is to identify the requirements needed to commence the AHFS Halal Program. The gap analysis involves completing an assessment against the level of compliance against The Halal program as well as the importing country’s guidelines.

The Stage 2 audit reviews:

  1. The client’s location and site specific conditions and determines the client’s preparedness for setting up the Halal Program and its management.

  2. Review the client’s status and understanding regarding requirements of the Halal Standard. Ensure that key staff members are present during meetings to ensure their understanding of the program.

  3. Review the allocation of resources and set up key training dates for all involved resources

At the completion of the gap analysis the client is presented with a report that provides them with the number of resources needed and both initial training and ongoing training for the mentioned staff.

Stage 3: Certification audit
The purpose of the Stage 3 audit is to evaluate the implementation, including effectiveness of the client’s Halal System. The Stage 3 audit is to take place at the site(s) of the client and to also assess whether issues identified in the gap analysis audit have been addressed.

The Stage 3 audit is to include the following:

  1. Information and evidence about conformity to all requirements of the applicable Halal Program standard and other applicable guidelines.

  2. Performance monitoring, this involves attending production shifts to ensure that training has been effective

  3. Internal auditing and management review

  4. Management responsibility for the client’s policies

  5. Links between Halal auditors, the Production Manager and the Human Resources representatives

At the end of the Stage audit the audit team analyses all information and audit evidence gathered during the certification process and the Shariaa Committee’s recommendations and agree on audit conclusions.

At the successful conclusion of the certification process Australian Halal Food Services provide clients with a certificate that endorses the client’s Halal Program is compliant against the set standard.

Stage 4 : Annual surveillance audit
Surveillance audits are to be conducted at least once a year (AHFS ensures that a quarterly audit is performed as well as ad-hoc audits of all establishments occur). The date of the first surveillance audit following initial certification is to be at least 12 months from the last day of the Stage 3 audit. Australian Halal Food Services can maintain confidence that the certified Halal program continues to fulfill requirements between recertification audits.

The surveillance audit program is to include at least:

  1. Audit of Halal Slaughtermen and ensure they are up to date with any required training.

  2. Review of actions taken on nonconformities identified during the previous audit

  3. Treatment of complaints (this is also done as they occur)

  4. A review of actions taken on nonconformities identified during the previous audit

  5. Progress of planned activities aimed at continual improvement

  6. Continuing operational control

  7. Review of any changes

  8. Use of marks and/or other reference to certification.

Stage 5: Recertification audit
The recertification audit is to occur every year from the original certification of the client’s management system. The recertification audit is to include an onsite audit that includes the following:

  1. The effectiveness of the Halal Program in its entirety in the light of internal and external changes

  2. Demonstrated commitment to maintain the effectiveness and improvement of the Halal program in order to enhance the overall control

During a recertification audit, instances of nonconformity or lack of evidence of conformity are identified by the audit team. The audit team is to define the time limits for correction and corrective actions to be implemented. Failure by the client to address the corrective actions in the nominated time frame could result in the certification expiring immediately.
   
 
contact about