KUALA LUMPUR, May 26 — Local restaurant chain Secret Recipe claimed today that it lost its halal certification because of “cleanliness issues” caused by upgrading works at its central kitchen.
According to news portal The Malaysian Insider, Secret Recipe Manufacturing Sdn Bhd chief executive Datuk Steven Sim said they have rectified the problem and that the restaurant chain is now ready for an inspection from the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim).
“Our central kitchen was doing upgrading works which unfortunately, lead to some cleanliness issues. Nevertheless, we have completed all rectification works and are ready for Jakim’s next inspection any time now,” Sim was quoted saying.
Sim pointed out that the company has been awarded the halal certification for the past 15 years and he assured that all its products, system and processes are in compliance with the Islamic standard.
Jakim confirmed today that Secret Recipe lost its halal certification because it had violated its cleanliness guidelines and not because of haram (forbidden) ingredients in its food products.
The federal Islamic agency said the certificate was revoked on May 7, 2015, but Secret Recipe can apply for a new certification as long as it adheres to the standards.
