Lifting of cessation order on meat products from Thomas Foods International Lobethal

1. The Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) has reviewed the cessation order on import of meat products from an Australian abattoir, Thomas Foods International (TFI) Lobethal which was issued on 30 May 2022. This cessation order had been issued in order to preserve the halal integrity of imported meats and products in Singapore, after there were indications that there had been non-compliances affecting the halal integrity of meat from the abattoir.

2. MUIS subsequently conducted a thorough investigation, including a visit to TFI’s facility by a MUIS delegation led by its Deputy Chief Executive, Dr Albakri Ahmad and the Deputy Mufti, Dr Mohd Murat Aris. The MUIS delegation conducted an on-site verification of TFI’s corrective measures to address the halal non-compliances which led to the cessation order. According to Mr Zalman Ali, MUIS’ Director of Halal Development, “MUIS is now satisfied that TFIL have put in place sufficient measures to ensure continued compliance to its halal standards. Accordingly, with effect from 14 October 2022, MUIS halal-certification holders may use meat products from TFI Lobethal”.

3. To ensure close monitoring of the corrective measures following the lifting of the cessation order, TFI’s halal certification body, Supreme Islamic Council of Halal Meat in Australia (SICHMA) will be submitting quarterly halal audit reports of the facility for a period of one year. SICHMA will also be undertaking additional safeguards to prevent recurrence of halal non-compliances at the facility.

4. In addition, MUIS will continue to work closely with the relevant competent authorities in Australia to monitor the halal compliance of the operations at TFI Lobethal. MUIS will continue to maintain public confidence in the halal supply chain and import of halal meat and products for all certified food establishments and manufacturers in Singapore.

Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura