Halal Certification on Chocolate Products: A Case Study

This paper aims to discuss halal certification for locally-made food products based on a case study carried out on a local small enterprise producing healthy chocolate products. Findings of the study revealed that even though the earlier healthy chocolate products are certified by the respective state government religious authorities and the raw materials used in the products had halal certification from the originating country, they do not suffice for halal certification when products are sold in other states within Malaysia. Additionally, with the introduction of marine- collagen and mirifica into the newly formulated choco-health products, halal certification is needed. Without the presence of JAKIM halal logo on the product packaging, the customers still have doubts on the safety, hygiene and halalness of the choco-health products. Implications of the study suggested for simplification of halal certification procedures and support services for small enterprise so as to assist small bumiputra entrepreneurs to market their local-made choco-health products; and to ease market penetration and strategies to gain consumers’ trust in Malaysia.