Halal compliance behaviors of food and accommodation businesses in the Zamboanga Peninsula, Philippines

• Published in: Multidisciplinary Science Journal Vol. 7; no. 5; p. 2025259
• Main Authors: Chavez, Jason Villota, Vicente, Marialyn Bisera
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.05.2025
• ISSN: 2675-1240; 2675-1240
• DOI: 10.31893/multiscience.2025259

The increasing Muslim population, increasing understanding of halal standards, and expanding global trade have all contributed to the extraordinary expansion of halal products around the world. Many countries, given their economic potential, have invested in strong halal-certifying agencies and infrastructure to support halal enterprises. This exploratory study analyzed the halal compliance of food and accommodation businesses in the Zamboanga Peninsula, Philippines. Twelve business owners and halal personnel from different businesses were purposively sampled to be interviewed. The findings indicated that many pursued halal certification to provide quality products, ensure consumer trust, and expand their market reach. The certification process, perceived as stringent by some, was seen as essential for maintaining high standards of safety and quality, appealing to both Muslim and non-Muslim consumers. In Zamboanga Peninsula, businesses demonstrated strong compliance with halal standards through meticulous practices in preparation, storage, transportation, delivery, and packaging. Compliance involved following detailed checklists, maintaining rigorous documentation, and ensuring cleanliness and safety in all aspects of production. Many establishments have formed committees, primarily composed of Muslim employees, to oversee halal practices and conduct regular training sessions for staff to maintain ongoing compliance. Communication with regulatory bodies for updates on guidelines further ensured that businesses remained compliant with evolving standards. These systematic efforts reflected the commitment of businesses on the Zamboanga Peninsula to uphold halal certification, ensuring product safety, quality, and consumer trust. For policymakers and industry stakeholders, these findings indicate a need for streamlined, supportive systems that facilitate halal certification processes, such as transparent documentation and efficient regulatory frameworks. The study found a gap in specific halal practices, such as pest control and waste management, which could be areas of focus for future regulations to standardize compliance across halal establishments.