Officials from China has called for national standards for halal food after concerns were raised about the authenticity of some food items sold in some places in the country. These individuals said that the government should not simply ignore this problem.
The New York Times reported that Muslims living in the country are worried that it has become a routine for some sellers to ignore guidelines on halal food preparation. It was noted that some food have lard while others sell "pork disguised as beef."
"There are many problems regarding halal food management that can't be ignored," said Ningxia official Ma Guoquan said in a local newspaper article. It also noted that China should respect the diet of Muslims and other ethnic minorities in the country.
The same report said this will ensure that the rights of people belonging to these minorities are treated with utmost respect. It is also expected to improve the halal food management in the country.
In addition, the New York Times said that though there are strict regulations on halal food on some Chinese areas like Ningxia and Shanghai, other provinces do not follow these rules. It claimed that that riot in Qinghai province even made the headlines last year after pork products were found in a delivery vehicle of a halal bakery.
Incidents like this in China destroy the overall impression of people on halal food. The New York Times explained that business owners in China are having a hard time selling their halal products in other countries. National regulations are believed to help the industry recover and ensure quality halal food for Muslims.
"Food safety has always been a serious problem in China," said Islamic Association of China vice chairman Mu Kefa in the New York Times report. "With national regulations, the government can more effectively manage the halal food industry and show respect to ethnic minorities in China."
