UNAIR Chemistry Invites Banyuwangi Residents to Be Selective with Products on the Market
The Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology (FST) at Airlangga University, in collaboration with the School of Health Sciences and Natural Sciences (SIKIA), Airlangga University (UNAIR), organized a community service activity (pengmas). The theme was “Beware of Consuming Products Containing Non-Halal Ingredients,” held at the SIKIA Mojo Campus Hall in Banyuwangi on Friday, March 3, 2023.
In his opening remarks, the Head of the Department of Chemistry, Mochamad Zaki Fahmi, S.Si., M.Si., PhD., emphasized the importance of public understanding regarding the halal status of products. He highlighted that this concern extends beyond food to encompass all products used in daily activities, driven by the growing trend of halal tourism in various countries.
“The issue of halal food is not only relevant in Indonesia but also extends to Muslim-majority and non-Muslim countries. Especially with the recent growth of halal tourism,” he stated.
Therefore, the certification of product halal status significantly influences the influx of Muslim tourists, particularly in areas known for their tourism appeal. This initiative aims to ensure the halal integrity of products consumed within those regions, thereby enhancing consumer confidence and supporting local economic sustainability.
Check the Halal of Every Product
The speaker of the activity Prof. Dr. Pratiwi Pudjiastuti, M.Si. explained that some doubts about the halalness of products circulating in Indonesia still exist. Because, the content of the product is still categorized as a vague or shubhat material. Even mineral water still has the potential to be a non-halal product.
“In mineral water there is an adsorbent material, make sure it is from charcoal. Not from pig bones,” he told participants of PKK cadres in Banjarsari Village, Glagah District.
In addition to food and beverage products, daily body care products are also a concern. Such as soap, toothpaste, shampoo, food brushes, to beauty support products. So, Prof. Pratiwi urges the public to avoid products that are still vague.
“A Muslim’s obligation is to avoid shubhat products. Such as those found in products with oil and fur content in them,” she urged.
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
Ask People to Understand the New Halal Logo
However, consumers do not need to worry, the lecturer at the Department of CHEMISTRY FST UNAIR said there is the easiest way to identify the halalness of a product is through the halal logo. Currently, people need to know the new government halal logo. Because, some people are still unfamiliar with the existence of the new logo.
Now the halal logo has changed from the green round shape issued by MUI to a purple logo that forms a mountain. However, the old logo can still be used until 2024,” said the UNAIR Halal Expert. (OA)
