Halal certification organizations in the United Kingdom: An exploration of halal cosmetic certification

TY - JOUR

T1 - Halal certification organizations in the United Kingdom:

T2 - An exploration of halal cosmetic certification

AU - Annabi, Carrie Amani

AU - Ibidapo-Obe, Olufunbi Olajumoke

N1 - © Copyright 2017 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.

PY - 2017/3/6

Y1 - 2017/3/6

N2 - Purpose The aim of this paper is to investigate the role that halal certification organisations (HCOs) play in the UK in assuring quality in halal cosmetics. Design/methodology/approach The study evaluates whether halal certification assures the quality of halal cosmetic products. This research evaluated the quality assurance systems of major UK HCOs, using a hypothetical product as a test vehicle. The investigation considered whether these organisations differ in their definition of “halal” and “halal cosmetics” and also considered how effectively their certification signals quality assurance. Findings The study indicated that there is a failure to adopt holistic halal terminology which implies that within the UK halal cosmetics industry, manufacturers may not be working within agreed standards for halal product integrity. Research limitations/implications This study focussed on UK certification for halal cosmetics by three HCOs and disregarded other forms of halal businesses. The literature review is based solely on literature available in the English language. The study lacks generalisability, as only one hypothetical product was tested; therefore, it was not possible to reach an understanding of all the costs involved in UK HCO certification. Practical implications This study undertook a comprehensive literature review on halal certification to produce a comparison of halal sanctioning laws, certification processes and the level of supply chain verification by UK HCOs. Originality/value This study adds value to the knowledge on UK halal certification.

AB - Purpose The aim of this paper is to investigate the role that halal certification organisations (HCOs) play in the UK in assuring quality in halal cosmetics. Design/methodology/approach The study evaluates whether halal certification assures the quality of halal cosmetic products. This research evaluated the quality assurance systems of major UK HCOs, using a hypothetical product as a test vehicle. The investigation considered whether these organisations differ in their definition of “halal” and “halal cosmetics” and also considered how effectively their certification signals quality assurance. Findings The study indicated that there is a failure to adopt holistic halal terminology which implies that within the UK halal cosmetics industry, manufacturers may not be working within agreed standards for halal product integrity. Research limitations/implications This study focussed on UK certification for halal cosmetics by three HCOs and disregarded other forms of halal businesses. The literature review is based solely on literature available in the English language. The study lacks generalisability, as only one hypothetical product was tested; therefore, it was not possible to reach an understanding of all the costs involved in UK HCO certification. Practical implications This study undertook a comprehensive literature review on halal certification to produce a comparison of halal sanctioning laws, certification processes and the level of supply chain verification by UK HCOs. Originality/value This study adds value to the knowledge on UK halal certification.

KW - Halal certification organization

KW - Halal concept

KW - Halal cosmetics

KW - Halal quality

U2 - 10.1108/JIMA-06-2015-0045

DO - 10.1108/JIMA-06-2015-0045

M3 - Article

VL - 8

SP - 107

EP - 126

JO - Journal of Islamic Marketing

JF - Journal of Islamic Marketing

IS - 1

ER -