Introduction

Muslims are suggested to consume halal foods. Numerous statements show this obligation as
written in the Quran and Hadis. However, not all products sold in markets or shops provide
particular information about their status, whether halal or haram. To reduce the anxiety of
Muslims, the idea of product labeling should be taken into account. It may help people
choose their consumption by observing the halal label.
Determination of halal label in Indonesia are still having a debate. some have argued that
Indonesia is predominately Muslim but does not require a halal label but required haram
label, therefore this paper aims to discuss and review the determination of food labels in
Indonesia in sharia and economic terms.

The concept of Halal and Haram

The word "halal" is a word derived from an Arabic word meaning lawful or permitted
(lawful) (Abdul & Bisyri, 1999: 131). According to Qaradawi (2003: 31), haram is
everything that Allah is expressly prohibited, for the people who are against it will face the
punishment from Allah in the hereafter or even threatened with mundane sanctions. Ahmad
H. Sakr classify objects that include haram into six groups: pigs and some of its products,
alcohol, meat of dead animals, blood, and drugs. A Muslim who consume illicit goods, he
would sin (1996: 23-27). According to MUI, halal product is a product that meets the
following criteria:
1. does not contain pork and ingredients derived from pork.
2. not contain prohibited materials, among other materials taken from human organs, dirt, and
blood
3. all halal animals slaughtered in accordance with the guidelines of Islamic law
4. throughout the storage, sale, processing, management and transport of the material which
is not used for the former pig, but after cleaning based on the ordinances of Islamic law.
5. all foods and beverages that do not contain khamr (Depag, 2003:2).
Basically, according to the information from Minister of Religion, the concept of halal
labeling on food, beverages, and cooking spices already discussed by some parties and
relevant agencies, including the Department of Religious Affairs, Ministry of Health,
Ministry of Agriculture, and the MUI.

Determination of "halal" of all food products circulating in Indonesian society, giving a rise
to debate among Muslims themselves. Most of them argue that labeling is not necessary
because all the products has been believed to be halal as long as there is no haram
explanation.
Another opinion suggests that the halal food labeling products is needed, because to keep the
Muslims from destruction, especially the preservation of heart and human behavior.
Relating to halal food, the government has appointed Indonesian Council of Ulama (MUI) to
issue a certificate of halal products which is handled by the agency Supervisor of Food and
Drugs (POM) Center based in Jakarta, in addition there are several local POM in each
province.
People believe that the institution can minimize doubt in consuming food supply. But then
the question is, do all products get to be halal labeled from the independent agency? This
possibility can not be underestimated considering the amount of food and beverages in the
community are not proportional to the number of institutions POM. Especially as complexity
of the procedure and the cost is quite high.
To respond to that, there was some commentary from experts, one of them is the appearance
of expert opinion in Constitutional Law, Professor Yusril Ihza Mahendra said that what
Indonesia need is not halal label but haram label. Because Indonesia is a predominantly
Muslim country so that the number of halal food is definitely much more than the haram.
Looking for halal food in Indonesia is very easy. According to him, unlike in the Philippines
is predominantly Catholic which is why it is so hard to find halal food. Because it is difficult
to find halal food, halal label is required.
If the thought of Prof.. Yusril associated with FIQH it is highly appropriate. Because the
science of jurisprudence is described in detail the characteristics of haram food. In classic
fiqh books discussed and described in detail in the various chapters on food and beverages
that is haram food and its characteristics on the assumption as stated Prof. Yusril original law
is halal. So sharia law was already clearly explained that the number of halal food far more
than the haram.

Besides Prof. Yusril, similarly the opinion stated by YLKI (Indonesian Consumers
Foundation). The reason is same with prof. Yusril. Although the reason YLKI more aimed at
defending the interests of consumers.
So if we follow the logic that uses MUI halal certification, it is as if the MUI considers the
legal origin of the food available in Indonesia more unclean. And this logic is clearly contrary
to the law of jurisprudence that explains the origin of the food is halal. And it would be
haram if it meets the requirements that are forbidden by the sharia as unclean, intoxicating,
carcasses, etc.
In economic point of view:
The inclusion of halal label in the products provides some benefits.

First is consumer confidence. It means that the halal label allows the consumers to
make an informed choice of their purchase.

Second,competitive advantage manufacturers can use it as a marketing tool tosecure

bigger market share as halal food is suitable for both Muslims and non- Muslims.

Third,quality it indicates that the food requirements and also strict hygiene practices.
Fourth, for the authority it provides mechanism to audit and monitor halal food
(Bistari, 2004).

But halal label determination by the agency also have bad side for example can be
detrimental to producers and consumers because the process is long and requires big cost can
raise the price of the product. From the economic side also supports the establishment of
haram labels on food products instead of halal label in the Muslim-majority country but the
most important is all parties, whether producers or consumers, their rights are protected.

Conclusion
From the reviews that have served the author concluded that food labeling is needed to
protect the rights of consumers, but in Indonesia case which have the majority of muslim
population and easy to access halal food in Indonesia so it will be more appropriate for
haram label, for the sake of efficiency for actors consumers, producers and the other
authorities.

Refferences
Al-Ghazali, Imam, Benang Tipis antara Halal dan Haram, terjemahan Ahmad Shadiq, Surabaya:
Putra Pelajar, 2002.
Sakr, Ahmad H., Understanding Halal Foods, Fallacies & Facts, Lombard: Foundation for Islamic
Knowledge, 1996.

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