Iran Food and Drug Administration reviews halal status of cosmetic products

Behrouz Akbari, Deputy of the Cosmetic and Hygiene Products Directorate at the Food and Drug Administration, has outlined the scientific and technical complexities of determining halal status in the cosmetic and hygiene industry. He stated that evaluating halal compliance requires a simultaneous assessment of religious, chemical, biological, and technological dimensions.

Key areas of focus include identifying chemical compounds, their origins, and the concentration used in formulations. Akbari noted that animal or marine-derived ingredients, such as collagen, gelatin, certain enzymes, and snail extracts, require careful scrutiny regarding their source and processing methods. He emphasized that a substance having an animal origin does not automatically render it non-halal; rather, its religious status depends on the specific origin, nature, and processing techniques used.

Other challenges include the complexity of supply chains, the high number of suppliers, and the fact that many ingredients are imported. Akbari highlighted that determining the halal status of alcohol in products like mouthwash requires specialized analysis of the alcohol type, production origin, and consumption levels to ensure compliance with both technical and religious standards.