12 February 2024 11:58 am
The Halal Accreditation Council's (HAC) unwavering dedication to quality has been duly recognized at the prestigious Sri Lanka National Quality Awards (SLNQA) 2022, organized by the Sri Lanka Standards Institution (SLSI).
From L to R: Mrs S U Narangoda, Director - Systems Certification, SLSI; Mr Aakif A Wahab, Director – CEO, HAC; Dr. Asanga Ranasinghe, Chairman, SLSI; Mr Fazal Issadeen, Founder Member, HAC; Mr Rizvi Zaheed, Managing Director, HAC; Hon. Kanaka Herath, State Minister, Ministry of Technology; Dr. Siddhika G. Senaratne, Director General, SLSI; Mrs M. B. D. Neelakanthi, Director – Quality Assurance.
The SLNQA program follows the stringent criteria of the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Awards of the United States of America, setting a global benchmark for excellence in quality management. This recognition highlights HAC's dedication to upholding the highest quality standards in its operations.
HAC’s Halal certification is obtained by more than 240 Sri Lankan food & beverage manufacturers and has been estimated to have facilitated Sri Lankan exports valued at USD 1.7 billion in 2022. This certification ensures that certified products meet stringent quality Halal standards, safeguarding the interest of the consumers.
Consumers are increasingly demanding for transparency and traceability in their food products. A product that is Halal certified would be void of raw materials and processing aids derived from dead animals, human body parts, insects, hazardous, poisonous & toxic substances, blood, pig, and alcohol.
HAC, having voluntarily obtained accreditation by the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Accreditation Centre in compliance with standards ISO 17065 & GSO 2055, and being certified for ISO 9001, operates in strict accordance with international quality management standards. This, in turn, enables efficient service delivery by HAC, allowing clients conforming to the Halal standard to promptly obtain its Halal certification.
“HAC being awarded merit at the Sri Lanka National Quality Awards by SLSI, reaffirms our commitment to maintaining excellence and upholding the highest standards of quality management. Serving as a catalyst for growth in Sri Lanka's economy, HAC remains dedicated to supporting the local food and beverage industry in meeting the needs of consumers both domestic and international”, said Mr. Aakif A Wahab, Director – CEO of Halal Accreditation Council.
Delegation from HAC, Left to Right: Mr. Aakif A Wahab, Director - CEO; Mr. M. Mohammed Zuhair, PC, Founder Member; Mr. Fazal Issadeen, Founder Member; Mr. Annes Junaid, Director; Mr. M.U.M Hussain Director; Mr. Rizvi Zaheed, Managing Director; Mr. M.N.M Nafas, Head of Quality Assurance; Mrs. Zahara Ansari, Director; Mr. Farman Nizar, Council Member; Mr. Zakir Rizvi, Senior Executive - Customer Services