Development of conceptual framework for halal poultry industries based on maqasid al-shariʽah

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly disrupted global supply chains, heightening consumer concerns regarding food safety and integrity. One critical area of interest is the halal poultry supply chain, particularly the maintenance of halal integrity from production to consumer purchase. Ensuring compliance with halal standards throughout the supply chain remains a key challenge, particularly during manufacturing and distribution. This study aims to address these concerns by identifying critical gaps in the halal poultry supply chain and proposing strategies to enhance its integrity. To examine the integrity of the halal poultry supply chain, this research employs document analysis and thematic analysis. Key regulatory documents analyzed include Manual Prosedur Pensijilan Halal Malaysia (Domestic) 2020 and MS1500:2019 Halal Food General Guidelines (Third Revision). Empirical data were gathered through in-depth interviews with three halal executives from leading halal poultry companies and five halal experts in Malaysia. The findings reveal several critical integrity dimensions purity, hygiene, quality, and safety as well as opportunities for improvement in halal poultry practices. A conceptual framework for integrity in the poultry supply chain, grounded in maq??id al-Shar??ah, is proposed. Thematic analysis of interview data highlights key factors influencing halal integrity, including government regulations and oversight, halal traceability and transparency, industry collaboration and best practices, and consumer confidence and education. While all three halal poultry companies demonstrated strong compliance with halal standards, particularly in animal welfare, slaughtering processes, and halal awareness training, variations in halal control points and monitoring systems were identified. These discrepancies underscore the need for stricter and more standardized oversight. Furthermore, the study finds that the five protections (?ar?riyy?t) of maq??id al-Shar??ah protection of religion, life, intellect, lineage, and wealth are highly relevant to the halal poultry industry. This research provides a comprehensive framework to ensure that poultry products bearing the halal certification genuinely uphold halal integrity. By addressing consumer and stakeholder concerns, the study enhances confidence in the halal poultry supply chain. The findings emphasize the necessity for collaboration among industry players, regulatory bodies, and consumers to safeguard halal integrity at every stage of the supply chain. The proposed strategies aim to strengthen consumer trust, support regulatory enhancements, and contribute to the long-term sustainability of the halal poultry industry in Malaysia and beyond.