Kellogg’s and Sanitarium have both decided not to renew Halal certifications for their cereal products.

If a food product is Halal certified it indicates to Muslims that the food is permissible for them to eat under their religious law.

Halal and religious certification has been a hot topic in the Australian food industry over the past several years, with some members of the public calling for boycotts of halal certified food brands.

Kellogg’s Australia however told Australian Food News that its decision to not renew halal certification, which occurred in 2016, was a commercial decision and not the result of any public pressure or backlash.

“As most of our cereals are plant-based, they’re inherently halal, so we chose not to renew our certification in 2016 as part of a regular review of all certifications for our foods,” the Kellogg’s spokesperson said.

Sanitarium never had Halal certification symbols on Australian sold products

Sanitarium said it has never used Halal, or Kosher, certification symbols on its Australian or New Zealand sold products.

It has however previously obtained Halal certification for exported foods.

“However, Sanitarium does not currently hold either Halal or Kosher certification although it may choose to do so in the future depending on the requirements of our export markets,” Sanitarium said.

Sanitarium said its products are suitable for people who want Halal or Kosher  foods as it does not use meat-based ingredients or alcohol.

In July 2016, Australian Food News reported on yoghurt brand Jalna’s decision to stop religious certification whilst a Senate inquiry into third party certification went underway. Jalna however changed its mind on Kosher certification after receiving complaints.

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