The recognition follows the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) regulation that only products certified by bodies approved by the SFDA will be allowed into the conservative Islamic country.

The new regulation comes as the global halal food industry continues to grow with a total deal value of $6.3 billion in 2020. ^[1]

 

 

Manila, Philippines - Prime Certification and Inspection, a subsidiary of the United Arab Emirates - based Prime Group of Companies, is  the  first and only Philippine-based halal certification body recognized by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) and the only Philippine halal-certifying body authorized to  give certification for food exports bound for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

 

This follows new regulations implemented by the Saudi government last November 2020 stipulating that meat, poultry, and their derivative products can only be exported to the country if they have halal certificates issued by a body accredited and approved by the SFDA, which regulates food, drug, and medical devices both imported and domestic for the conservative Islamic country. 

 

With the approval of the SFDA, Prime Certification and Inspection serves as the only halal certifier in the Philippines with direct ties to the kingdom.  A leading quality and compliance solutions provider specializing in helping Philippine brands export halal products to Muslim-majority markets, Prime Certification and Inspection has certified 22 multinational companies and homegrown Philippine brands.

 

Dr. Mary Jane Alvero – Al Mahdi, Group CEO, Prime Group of Companies, said: “Prime Certification and Inspection - Asia Pacific is proud to be the first and only halal certifying body in the Philippines recognized by the Saudi Food & Drug Authority. With the growing demands brought about by the rapid increase of Muslim populations worldwide, we look forward to providing the first step for Filipino brands to penetrate this growing global market.”