Are your Muslim customers limited to selecting veggie burgers when they visit your establishment? Halaal certification offers a real opportunity to provide an alternative and to incorporate Islamic business ethics and food processing methods into your business model, products and services.

As one of Africa’s leading Halaal regulatory authorities, SANHA (the South African National Halaal Authority) is familiar with the requirements of the franchise industry and is positioned to guide both franchisees and franchisors through the certification process.

All businesses, ranging from home-based firms to franchisors, franchisees and multinationals have to fulfil the same requirements to compete for Muslim customers. Costs will, however, vary depending on the industry.

To qualify for certification storeowners must be Muslim or permanent Muslim supervisors must be hired to cover the different shifts and carry out the required religious supervision on the premises.

A Halaal licence is valid for one year and is renewable on expiry. It can be revoked if any of its terms are broken. Monthly inspections are conducted to ensure that these terms are met and the cost of these inspections is borne by the franchisor or franchisee.

SANHA is a founding member of the World Halaal Council of international Halaal regulators, and has collaborative links with industry organisations.