DETECTION OF HIDDEN CONTAMINANTS IN HALAL FOOD PRODUCTS: ANALYSIS OF THE CASE OF SYARIKAT ABDUL GHAFFAR TRADING SDN BHD V SOCIETE AGRO-EXPORT SAHEL-SAGES [2022] MLJU 298

الملخص

The increasing complexity of global food supply chains has heightened the risk of hidden contaminants entering halal food products, posing significant challenges to both food safety and halal integrity. This paper examines the nature of hidden contaminants, including porcine-derived ingredients, alcohol residues, heavy metals, microbial contamination, and cross-contamination, which may compromise the halal status of food products and reduce consumer confidence. It also discusses the importance of modern laboratory technologies in halal authentication, focusing on analytical methods such as Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), DNA barcoding, Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). A Malaysian case study, Syarikat Abdul Ghaffar Trading Sdn Bhd v Societe Agro-Export Sahel-Sages [2022] MLJU 298, is analysed to demonstrate the legal and commercial implications of food contamination, including product recalls, financial losses, and reputational damage. Furthermore, the paper reviews Malaysia's halal governance framework, including the Food Act 1983, Food Regulations 1985, MS1500:2019, and the Malaysian Halal Certification Procedure administered by JAKIM. The study concludes that integrating advanced scientific detection methods with effective regulatory enforcement, comprehensive halal assurance systems, and robust supply chain management is essential to preserving halal integrity, protecting consumer health, and strengthening public confidence in halal-certified food products.