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- 17th January 2012 - The UAE awards HMC the Halal Certifier License in support of UK Exports
By the Grace of the Almighty, the hard work of our employees and support from the slaughterhouses, we are delighted to announce that the Halal Monitoring Committee has been accepted as an approved halal certifying body by the UAE Ministry of Environment and Water after their official visit in March 2011. The approval is a boost for HMC suppliers looking to export their products to the Middle East and allows them the opportunity to seek new markets for their certified products.
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- 12th January 2012 - HMC Certified Halal Free Range Chickens
A small family run business has become the first to provide HMC certified free-range chicken and organic goats. ZUSS Halal based in Latchingdon, Essex, rear their own chickens and goats on their farm.
Imran Khan from ZUSS Halal said, “Batches of free range chickens are reared and fed GM-free feed from days old to slaughter at between 14 - 16 weeks, almost double the time than commercial battery reared birds.”
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- 20th December 2011 - All Things Halal (ATH) joins HMC to bring unity to Halal certification in the UK
All Things Halal (ATH) announced today, its plans to move away from Halal certification and join HMC to bring more unity to Halal certification in the UK
Established in 2005, ATH has focused its efforts on the certification of Halal Products (non-meats) such as cosmetics, ice creams, hand sanitisers, laundry products, and other non-meat products to help Muslim consumers make an informed Halal choice.
ATH has agreed to join HMC and transfer all its certified products under the HMC brand. Jointly HMC intends to grow its non-meat products certification for the benefits of the Muslim consumer in what has become a complex food area.
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- 22nd November 2011 - Halal Monitoring Committee Qurbani Report
HMC Safeguards Consumers from incorrect Qurbanis
Alhamdulillah by the Grace of the Almighty, HMC overlooked the highest levels of HMC certified Qurbanis on record this Eid. Nadeem Adam, HMC Operations Manager said, “there has been an increase of over 47% from last year. People are turning to HMC’s unique and comprehensive inspection based system to meet their important religious obligations with assurance”.
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- 24th October 2011 - Ensure Your Qurbani / Udhiyyah is Halal & Lawful
Alhamdulillah through the grace of the Almighty, HMC continues to help the Muslim community to procure and consume Halal with confidence.
As the celebration of Eid-ul-Adha arrives and the Qurbani obligations fall upon many of us, Qurbani orders are received by butchers countrywide. HMC has been working hard in the background to ensure that the Qurbani is completed according to the rules of Shari’ah and the UK Law. HMC is leading the way in providing the Muslim community the assurance that their Qurbani is genuine and Halal.
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- 24th October 2011 - HMC ACQUIRES VAT REGISTRATION
Over the past two years, the National Executive Committee initiated a review of the governance and structure of the organisation. This led to the successful registration with the Charity Commission in May 2009 as since our inception, we have remained a not for profit organisation.
Earlier this year, we started a dialogue with HMRC regarding our VAT status. As a faith based voluntary organisation, our understanding was HMC is exempt from VAT similar to other charitable organisations. However, after a series of meetings, HMRC has advised we should become VAT registered based on the nature of services we provide. We have today communicated the impact of this to certified plants and outlets.
Reflecting on the change, Chairman of HMC, Shaykh Yunus Dudhwala said: "We appreciate this change will impact on our stakeholders but are confident our partners will appreciate the context of this change and the mandatory nature of the change. More over, we are working closely with HMRC to ensure that whilst we fulfil our legal obligations, the impact of the changes is minimal. For this reason, the change in charges will only apply to plants, and this will have minimal impact as VAT registered companies are able to reclaim the VAT. It is important for all our partners to support us on our journey to ensure the provision of genuine Halal."
- 10th March 2011 - Apology from Asian Express newspaper
The Asian Express newspaper published an article on 21st December 2010 headlined ‘Bullied!’, which carried the statements of a butcher from Birkby, West Yorkshire.
Asian Express has made a full apology correcting the misleading assertions in the article and we are pleased that this matter is clarified and corrected.
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- 4th January 2011 -
HMC Invited to speak at International Halal Conference in Kuwait
The Halal Monitoring Committee’s Shariah Advisor Mufti Zubair Butt will be attending the ‘First Gulf Conference on Halal Industry and Its Services’ as a guest speaker, being held in Kuwait in January 2011. HMC has been at the forefront in highlighting the challenges that face the Halal industry in this growing international market. As the most trusted and largest certification body in the UK, HMC’s expertise continues to be sought nationally and globally to address the issues facing Muslims worldwide in the halal industry.
To read the official brochures for this conference (in Arabic & English) please see the links below;
'First Gulf Conference on Halal Industry' brochure (Arabic)
'First Gulf Conference on Halal Industry' brochure (English)
- 17th December 2010 - Press Release Re: Distribution of Anonymous Flyers
The Halal Monitoring Committee has been made aware of leaflets being distributed with false allegations about HMC.
We have seen the leaflet and we can confirm that none of the allegations about HMC are true. Unfortunately, as you may have noticed, the people behind the leaflets have not left their name or number, nor have they contacted the HMC office to verify the facts.
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- 7th December 2010 - Press Release Re: Moulana Ilyas Kola
Surah al-Hujuraat 49:6 “If a faasiq comes to you with news then verify it”
Following anonymous and false allegations being circulated in leaflets around Yorkshire, the Halal Monitoring Committee confirms that Moulana Ilyas Kola, an Imam in Batley is a valuable and respected member of the HMC National Executive Committee.
Moulana Ilyas is not a proprietor, nor a shareholder in any meat related business. Kola Stores is not a HMC certified outlet. We humbly request those producing and distributing these leaflets to contact HMC directly to confirm and verify facts before propagating false information to the public.
For more information please contact a member of the HMC team on 0844 846 0340
- 20th November 2010 - HMC Qurbani / Udhiyah Assurance Scheme Hailed a Success
Shaykh Yunus Dudhwala commented that “we were aware of many Qurbanis taking place in this country before Eid Salah, sometimes days in advance and in extreme circumstances by non-Muslims. The HMC Assurance Scheme was introduced to protect unsuspecting Muslims ensuring their religious obligations were discharged correctly”.
The HMC Scheme implemented for the first time last year, used special Eid-Day inking and tagging and to identify and differentiate Eid-Qurbani. Full-time on-site trained inspectors from HMC were present to ensure compliance with the rules of Qurbani at all times.
Abattoirs and Slaughterhouse registered and agreed to a set of Memorandum of understanding covering timings, identification of Qurbani and to ensure compliance with legal and Islamic requirements for the safe production of meat.
Waqas Khan, said “I am pleased with the level of rigour that has been demonstrated and feel comfortable in the knowledge that my Qurbani has been discharged correctly! I thank HMC for the effort it has made on my behalf”.
HMC continues to work with the industry and the public to ensure that Halal is protected and that doubt in Halal is reduced and removed for the benefit for all.
“HMC taking deceit out of Qurbani” – Your Seal of Assurance.
For more information please contact Nadeem Adam at HMC on 0844 846 0340 or email info@halalmc.org
- 13th November 2010 - Ensure Your Qurbani / Udhiyah is Halal and Lawful (has EEC Number)
As the celebration of Eid-ul-Adha arrives and the Qurbani obligations fall upon each of us, HMC would like to remind all Muslims that the Qurbani in the UK can only take place in a licensed slaughterhouse by a qualified and licensed slaughterman. It is illegal to do so under any other condition.
Veterinary surgeons are present at all licensed slaughterhouses to ensure that all meat is fit for human consumption and that all animal welfare considerations are met. This is also an important aspect of halal and tayyib. When this is achieved, all carcasses are stamped with an EEC number.
HMC trained inspectors will be present at all HMC certified qurbani to ensure compliance with European, UK and Islamic law to help Muslims fulfil this obligation with confidence and peace of mind.
“Be Legal - Be Safe – Be Halal” – HMC Your Seal of Assurance.
For further information please call HMC on 0844 846 0340 or email info@halalmc.org
- 10th November 2010 - HMC Works to Ensure Your Qurbani / Udhiyyah is Halal
Alhamdulillah through the grace of the Almighty, HMC continues to help the Muslim community to procure and consume Halal with confidence.
As the celebration of Eid-ul-Adha arrives, and the Qurbani orders are received by butchers countrywide, HMC has been working hard in the background to ensure that the Qurbani is completed according to the rules of Shari’ah.
This is extremely important as there have been many incidents that HMC has become aware of in the past couple of years where the Qurbani has not been done properly.
read more
- 27th October 2010 - HMC certified outlets reach 400
Alhamdulillah, the total number of HMC certified outlets has now reached 400. The 400th outlet to be HMC certified is Lahore Tikka Masala, N W London.
HMC congratulated 'Lahore Tikka Masala' proprietor Mr Zeeshan Arshad who said he was very pleased and commented further;
''I joined HMC so that I know I am serving proper Halal to my customers, as this is a major part of our religion.
I myself do not go to restaurants that are not HMC certified and believe that if I would not eat it myself, how can I serve it to my customers? I am not expecting anything from being HMC certified, other than to give my customers the reasurrance that what they are eating is definitely Halal"
- 20th October 2010 - HMC Response to Recent Emails
A number of emails have been forwarded to HMC regarding concerns that have been raised by Mufti Yunus Patel circulating on the net. In the spirit of fairness and openness, HMC has Emailed Mufti Yunus Patel directly to meet, understand and address any valid concerns. HMC has a general policy not to respond to anonymous emails but will provide an update following any meetings.
- 20th September 2010 - UK Fried Chicken is NOT HMC certified
It has been brought to our attention that a number of branches of UK Fried Chicken are claiming to be HMC certified and have distributed leaflets in different towns and cities claiming this, they have also abused the HMC logo. UK Fried Chicken have also made this false claim during an advert on Sunrise radio 103.2fm.
HMC takes this opportunity to inform all the Muslims in areas where branches of UK Fried Chicken can be found that they are not certified by HMC and therefore all their claims are false and deceiving to the public, please pass this message on so that all brothers & sisters can be made aware of this false information being spread by UK Fried Chicken.
To view
image click here
- 1st July 2010 - Newly Certified Products - Alcohol Free Hand Sanitisers & Hard Surface Cleaners
HMC have been working closely over the last few months with Creative Supply Solutions Ltd, a company who approached HMC with the hope of gaining Halal approval of their hand sanitising and hard surface cleaning products.
We are pleased to announce that the complete range of products have now been awarded HMC certification. HMC and Creative Supply Solutions Ltd see a major benefit in having Halal accreditation and the recognition this brings to the products throughout the Muslim communities.
Creative Supply Solutions Limited spent many months having the product tested to show its performance against bacteria, its ability to sanitise and clean in many environments, and with the tests showing it is safe in food prep areas, kills bacteria, is alcohol free, remains effective on hard surfaces for up to 30 days, and as a hand sanitiser for up to 6 hours. HMC and Creative Supply Solutions Ltd are confident that these products are of benefit to the individual and the environment.
For more information about Creative Supply Solutions Ltd and the range of certified products please click here
- 1st April 2010 - Controversial Slaughter Practice
There is a lot of controversy within the Halal market regarding the methods being used and being passed as Halal. HMC have conducted an independent survey by asking scholars across the United Kingdom about their thoughts and views on the current practices taking place.
To view the results of the survey please see the links below:
 UK Scholar Halal Survey
HMC Newsletter Issue 13 (March 2010) - Special 2 Page Addition
- 5th October 2009 - HMC offers support in Bradford school meals dilemma
There is a growing concern amongst Muslim parents in Bradford as to whether the meat served in schools is halal. A school where the majority of pupils are Muslim has recently removed Halal meat from its menu amid fears that children might have been eating school dinners that do not comply with Islamic law.
read more
- 19th June 2009 - 1st HMC certified school in UK
Alhamdulillah, through the grace of The Almighty, we are pleased to announce the very first school in the UK to be HMC certified. See details below:
Tauheed-ul-Islam Girls High School & Sixth Form College
31 Bicknell Street, Blackburn, Lancashire, BB1 7EY
Tel: 01254 540 21
For the past two years HMC has been working in partnership with Lancashire Council of Mosques to certify Halal school meals. Assistant Principal Moulana Munir said in a statement: "Despite being a Muslim school it was of paramount importance for us to be certified by an independent non-profit making organisation like HMC. The fraudulent nature of the market means doubtful products are entering into every sector of the Halal market and we realised the education sector is no different. We would strongly advise all schools to follow suit."
NOTE - a new listing page for schools is presently under construction with our IT department and will be uploaded shortly.
- 1st June 2009 - HMC launches new certificate for outlets
Alhamdulillah, today sees the launch of the new HMC certificate nationwide, the pilot scheme has been succesfully trialled in Leicester outlets since 1st April. The certificates will be replaced annually but will still be updated on a monthly basis in line with the present system. At the beginning of each month our local monitors will stick a serialised label on the certificate in the appropriate space to show that the outlet is certified for that month. To view a specimen copy of the new certificate please click here
- 15th May 2009 - "Halal KFC" by the HFA - The Decision of GMWA Halal Foodguide Service
Regarding the recent 'Halal' certification of 8 branches of KFC in the London area by Halal Food Authority, a member of the public had some doubt about the permissibility of the slaughtering methods being used on the 'Halal' chicken served at KFC and sent an email to GMWA Halal Foodguide Service seeking their guidance.
To read the response of GMWA and their decision in full please click here
- 5th May 2009 -
KFC Halal certification - statement of clarification
In the past few days HMC has been inundated with calls and e-mails relating to the new Halal status of some KFC outlets in London. Many have been confused and claimed that KFC has been certified by HMC.
read more
- 28th February 2009 - Misconception Re: Doner Kebabs
Although there are reports suggesting that some or all doner kebabs contain pork, as reported by various news agencies, one can be rest assured that HMC certified doners are genuinely Halal as the whole manufacturing process is thoroughly inspected by HMC inspectors. Hence, doner kebabs sold at HMC certified takeaways are free from pork!
- 27th February 2009 - France: Important Newsflash for French HMC customers
Alhamdulillah HMC is extremely pleased with the successful uptake of its halal products in France.
However, please be aware, the HMC system works from the slaughterhouse to the butchers/takeaways. The HMC system includes HMC staff visiting the shops to check and verify the products in the outlets to avoid exploitation of the HMC label.
HMC has never committed to monitor French shops and unfortunately does not have the capacity. We understand that many genuine HMC products are entering the French market but HMC cannot guarantee that any product labelled HMC is genuine or not as it does not have staff on the ground in France. Please be careful when buying HMC products and only buy from genuine sources who you trust 100%.
La France – le Flash Important pour les clients de HMC français
Alhamdulillah HMC est extrêmement plu avec l'admission réussie de ses produits de halal en France. Cependant, s'il vous plaît être conscient, les travaux de système de HMC de l'abattoir aux bouchers/plats à emporter. Le système de HMC inclut le personnel de HMC visitant les magasins pour vérifier et vérifier les produits dans les sorties pour éviter l'exploitation de l'étiquette de HMC. HMC n'a jamais commis pour contrôler des magasins français et n'a pas malheureusement la capacité. Nous comprenons que BEAUCOUP DE HMC les produits AUTHENTIQUES entrent le marché mais HMC français ne peuvent pas garantir que le produit ait étiqueté HMC est authentique ou pas comme il n'a pas le personnel par terre en France. S'il vous plaît faire attention en achetant les produits de HMC et achète seulement des sources authentiques que vous fiez 100%.
- 1st January 2009 - First HMC Restaurant/Takeaway outlet in Reading
Alhamdulillah, through the grace of the Almighty, we are pleased to announce the opening of the first HMC certified reataurant/takeaway outlet in the town of Reading.
Please refer to the takeaways listing for full details or click here
- 9th December 2008 – Statement Issued Ref: Eid Day Qurbani
Beware! False claims of Qurbani again!
It is with sadness we report that a small number of Butchers in the north of England have sold meat from previous night and claimed it to be Qurbani*. HMC has devised a special tagging system for Qurbani day enabling it to quickly identify Qurbani Meat. As a consequence this issue has come to light and the false claims being made have been identified. There is some confusion as butchers and slaughter houses are making counter claims and the matter is under investigation with the parties concerned. For HMC Qurbani production all meat will carry a red HMC logo. HMC continues its fight for true Halal, may Allah protect us all from deceit and keep us on the path of truth, Ameen
Remember for your assurance; ask to see the red HMC stamp before the meat is cut! Demand a replacement within the three days of Qurbani if not! [*The animal must be slaughtered after Eid Salah for it to be considered as ‘Qurbani / Udhiyyah’].
- 1st December 2008 - Statement
HMC Response to Recent Allegations Circulating on the Net.
HMC has a policy not to respond to emails or allegations sent anonymously or distributed over the net for the purposes of discrediting HMC. Where genuine concerns exist we would be delighted to meet with and review specific comments and concerns so that we investigate and take appropriate actions if necessary. Our Offices and communications office is open during normal business hours Monday to Friday.
HMC is committed to one concern, to provide assurance that consumers have a choice to eat genuine Halal and not because it is claimed to be Halal. Since inception in 2003 HMC has demonstrated its ability in overseeing the slaughter and associated processes and further ensuring that the product arriving at its final destination is intact.
Five years on, HMC is an established and recognized organization that has no motive other than to establish authentic Halal products and in so doing secure the future of our communities and children.
Transparency is key to HMC and it has widely announced that individuals, groups or Organisation are welcome to witness any of its operations and to satisfy any concern. To date, several organizations have done this and satisfied themselves and subsequently become advocates and supporters.
- 9th October 2008 - How Important is Halal to You?
“Less than 379 days to save Halal”
HMC is currently gathering support from Muslim Institutions, Masajid, Imams, Scholars and General Public in support of our commonly held belief and definition of what we all consider to be Halal and ultimately to protect Islam.
The term Halal has become a widely misused word and now we are in danger of letting the Law define Halal that is not in agreement with the majority.
read more
- 13th July 2008 - HMC Elects New Chaiman
Shaykh Mohamed Benkhelifa founder of Halal Monitoring Committee (HMC), steps down from his role as Director and Chairman after five years at the helm.
Shaykh has been at the forefront and carried the burden of setting up the current system and the recognized HMC label which has become an assurance for Halal in the UK and abroad since its inception in 2003.
HMC has become the largest certifier in the UK with 89% growth in the past 9 months alone. It certifies products, restaurant, butchers, abattoirs and processing plants throughout the UK and EU.
Shaykh retires from HMC and moves onto pastures new for which both the National Executive Committee and Staff wish their fullest support and pray for his success.
HMC continues its journey to provide certification of Halal for Muslim consumers in the UK.
The National Executive Committee elected its new Chairman, Shaykh Yunus Dudhwala to carry on this noble cause. Shaykh Yunus said, “Halal is a very important aspect of Islam (deen) which affects the lives of all Muslims. I pray the Creator grants all involved with HMC the strength and sincerity to further progress this work”.
For any further queries kindly contact HMC Office on 0870 240 7267
- 24th January 2008 - HMC Sisters Programme 'Halal Awareness'
Alhamdulillah, the sisters awareness event in Leicester on Saturday 19th January 2008 was a
great success. HMC would like to thank all sisters who attended
and for their support.
Please remember us in your dua's. May Allah bless and guide you all
and your families and keep you all firm and steadfast on the straight
path, ameen.
For those sisters who were unable to attend we have the presentation from Saturday's event in PDF format - to view please click here
Please Note: Audio recordings from the event's speakers will shortly be uploaded to the audio section of our website here
- 24th December 2007 - HMC Awareness Programme (SISTERS ONLY)
Alhamdulillah, through the grace of the Almighty, HMC is organising an awareness programme exclusively for sisters on Saturday 19th January, 2008 and guest speakers will include Shaykh Riyadul Haq, insha-Allah.
PLEASE NOTE!! This event will now take place at the Usmani Hall, 308 St Saviours Road, Leicester, LE5 4HR (Entrance via Sidwell St) and not at the Highfields Community Centre as previously advertised in our recent Newsletter Issue 11.
For more information please click here
- 28th June 2006 - HMC exhibits at the Paris Expo 2006
Alhamdulillah, by the grace of The Almighty for the second year running HMC was invited by the organisers to exhibit at the Paris Expo 2006. May The Almighty bless and guide all the sponsors who made it possible for HMC to attend and further the continental activities in serving the Ummah.
read more
- 27th March 2006 - Establishing monitoring activities in local areas
People generally ask as to when HMC's monitoring activities are expected to expand to a certain town or city. We would like to inform and encourage such concerned Muslims to strengthen the nominal working group at HMC in fulfilling this obligation by contacting HMC and helping to establish monitoring activities in their local areas as outlined by HMC guidelines.
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- 14th February 2006 - First HMC certified outlets in the North East
Alhamdulillah, through the grace of the Almighty, we are pleased to announce the opening of the first HMC certified outlet in the North East of England. HMC has recently been making more efforts in the north af the country and the fruits of these efforts are that Newcastle Upon Tyne now has it's first HMC butcher outlet. Please refer to the butchers listing for full details or click here
- 19th January 2006 - NANDOS
HMC would like to clarify it's position with regards to passing comment on butchers, fast food outlets, restaurants, slaughterhouses, etc. The policy of HMC is not to comment on any of the above other than to say that if it is not certified by ourselves and we do not have an inspector monitoring them, then we cannot give our assurance.
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- 30th August 2005 - New HMC Outlets
Through the infinite mercy of the Almighty, we are pleased to announce that now outlets are certified in Birmingham, Nottingham, Slough and Preston.
Please refer to the butchers listing for full details or click here
- 26th August 2005 - France Halal Exhibition
Alhamdulillah by the Grace of the Almighty HMC was invited to not only participate as an exhibiter but also to contribute towards a very special conference held in France dealing for all kinds of Halal certification bodies from all over the world.
read more
- 25th August 2005 - Warning!
“He who deceives us is not amongst us.” [Hadith-Muslim]. Beware! Some in the trade are falsely claiming or trying to create an impression to be associated or approved by HMC.
read more
- 15th September 2004 - Update
Some non-certified outlets are aiming to deceive their customers by putting on display HMC tapes, tags, letters etc. to falsely create the impression that all products in the shop are certified and monitored by HMC. This is clear deceit and HMC absolves itself of any involvement with retailers not displaying our certificate. The customers are reminded that they must look out for HMC certificates on display for their assurance of HMC certified products.
- 21st July 2004 - HMC now certifying processed consumables
Recently as you will be aware, HMC has moved on to certifying processed consumables, which means such products have undergone rigorous inspection throughout the process, right the way from dhabh till they finally make their way to your table as burgers and kebabs, thus leaving no doubts and no room for cross contamination. This will also help more outlets come on board.
- Update
Alhamdulillah, since its inception, HMC has setup a network of ten abattoirs, three cutting plants, four distributors (supplying agents), approximately twenty local butchers & four takeaways.
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