2 days ago
New working group to oversee halal food compliance in Oman
Muscat – Following a ministerial decision (No 215/2025) issued by H E Dr Saud bin Hamoud bin Ahmed al Habsi, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, the ministry has established a dedicated working group to regulate halal foods in the country.
Chaired by Director of Department of Food Specifications and Conformity at the ministry, the group will include representatives from Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs. It will set controls and requirements for halal foods, review and update technical regulations, and re-examine approvals granted to food establishments exporting meat and poultry to Oman.
The working group will also coordinate overseas inspections of exporters certified by authorised halal bodies, conduct field visits to local producers and develop a framework for accrediting foreign establishments. Additionally, it will look into governance reforms by creating a system for appointing authorised halal-certification bodies in line with international standards.
Halal food – 'permissible' in Arabic – follows dietary guidelines in the Quran that emphasise cleanliness, animal welfare and hygiene. Certification involves auditing preparation practices to ensure the supply chain – from slaughtering to packaging – complies with Islamic law.
The decision generated reaction from citizens on social media. Dr Ahmed al Mahrouqi welcomed the move, calling it 'a vital step towards ensuring Omani consumers have complete confidence in the religious and hygienic integrity of what they eat'. He added that aligning certification with global practices would also strengthen Oman's position in international food trade.
Another citizen, Khalid al Hinai, said the move reflected 'a strong commitment to Sharia-compliant food standards' and would ensure both imported and locally produced meat products meet the highest religious requirements. 'This will not only boost consumer trust but also strengthen Oman's position as a leader in the halal sector,' he said.
Hinai added that hygiene is one of the key reasons many prefer halal food. 'From slaughtering animals to packaging products, hygiene is paramount. This means fewer chances of contamination, resulting in safer food for consumption.'
