Innovating Halal: Embracing Food Tech and Sustainability with OIC/SMIIC Standards”
16 May 2025 | Online Event | 182  Participants

The Standards and Metrology Institute for Islamic Countries (SMIIC) successfully hosted the 2nd World Halal Standards Day Webinar on May 16, 2025, bringing together over 180 participants from across the globe. The event commemorated the adoption of the first OIC/SMIIC Halal Standards and highlighted the pivotal role of harmonized halal standards in an evolving food industry landscape.

This year’s theme — “Innovating Halal: Embracing Food Tech and Sustainability with OIC/SMIIC Standards” — focused on the increasing relevance of halal standards amid rapid technological advancements and growing demand for safe, ethical, and sustainable food systems.

Webinar Program Highlights

Opening Session:

• H.E. Mr. İhsan Övüt, Secretary General of SMIIC, delivered the welcome address, emphasizing the importance of unified halal standards as a foundation for trust, trade facilitation, and global halal integrity.
• H.E. Ambassador Khusrav Noziri, Deputy Director General of the Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS), highlighted IOFS’s efforts in supporting halal food security and cooperation among OIC Member States.

Presentations:

• Mr. Yasin Zülfikaroğlu, Specialist at SMIIC, presented on “OIC/SMIIC Standards on Halal Issues and Studies on New Food Sources,” outlining the current standards framework and SMIIC’s proactive work on novel food technologies, including lab-grown meat, and other new protein alternatives.
• Dr. Shakhlo Atabaeva, Program Manager at IOFS, introduced the “Healthy, Halal, and Safe Food Ecosystem” program, focusing on IOFS’s initiatives to build inclusive, sustainable, and resilient halal food ecosystems across OIC countries.

Looking Ahead

The World Halal Standards Day 2025 webinar reaffirmed the need for strong cooperation among standardization bodies, food industry stakeholders, and international organizations. With increasing complexity in global food production and consumer expectations, OIC/SMIIC Halal Standards offer a robust framework for ensuring consistency, safety, and trust in the halal value chain.

SMIIC extends its sincere appreciation to all speakers, partners, and participants for their valuable contributions and engagement.