HALAL INTEGRITY AND FOOD BREACH: A CASE REVIEW OF GERBANG ALAF RESTAURANTS SDN BHD (FORMERLY GOLDEN ARCHES RESTAURANTS SDN BHD) V CHAI SU LIN & ANOR [2023] 5 MLJ 491

الملخص

Halal integrity involves beyond halal ingredients which includes cleanliness, food safety, and compliance with operational standards. Failure to maintain these aspects can have negative consequences for consumer health, business reputation and public confidence. This paper investigates the legal and forensic halal issues raised by the case of Gerbang Alaf Restaurants Sdn Bhd v Chai Su Lin & Anor which involved chronic hygiene issues and pest infestations at a franchise restaurant. This study examines the facts of the case, court evidence, and relevant laws, including the Food Act 1983, Food Hygiene Regulations 2009, Franchise Act 1998, and halal management standards. Furthermore, this case is examined from a halal forensic approach to determine the relationship between food safety and the principle of halal tayyiban. The results of the research reveal that repeated noncompliance with hygiene not only breaches the contract but also compromises halal integrity and consumer safety. This study underlines the necessity of hygienic management and regulatory compliance for the successful operation of halal food enterprises.