Jakarta. The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) has clarified that the "No Pork No Lard" label used by restaurants does not guarantee that the products are halal-certified.

MUI’s Food, Drug, and Cosmetics Research Institute (LPPOM MUI) Director Muti Arintawati clarified on Thursday that this label cannot replace the official halal certification required under Indonesian law.

"'No Pork No Lard' cannot be used as a guarantee of halal certification," Muti said during a press conference in Jakarta.

She emphasized that all food and beverage businesses must obtain halal certification according to the Law on Halal Product Assurance (UU JPH).

As per the mandate, businesses in the food and beverage sector are required to secure halal certification by October 17, 2024. This includes products, raw materials, and food additives, as well as the slaughter of animals and related services.

The use of "No Pork No Lard" labels dates back to a time when halal certification was not mandatory. It was intended to assure customers that no pork or its derivatives were used in the products. However, Muti pointed out that halal certification goes beyond ingredients like meat, covering the entire production chain—from distribution and storage to processing and even equipment used.

"Every step, up to serving the food to consumers, must be in line with Islamic principles. That's why restaurants need halal certification, which is represented by an official halal logo displayed at the premises," she explained.

Muti highlighted that once the October 17, 2024, deadline passes, businesses without halal certification will receive warnings. While larger businesses are expected to comply by this date, Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) will be given an extension of up to two additional years.