The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) has called on the government’s commitment and firm stance that will ensure food products align with the Halal Product Assurance Law. 

The statement was made in response to media reports that imported food trays from China allegedly involved the use of oil or pork fat in their production process.

"If this is proven to be true, MUI will first seek clarification from relevant stakeholders. If the clarification confirms these allegations, strict measures must be taken to uphold halal compliance," Deputy Secretary General of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) for Preaching and Islamic Brotherhood, Arif Fahruddin, told Indonesia Business Post on Friday, August 29, 2025.

He added that Islamic law does not tolerate the use of pork-derived elements, whether in food or materials related to food, including food containers or packaging.

"There is no room for it whatsoever, and this must be respected and understood by all parties," he emphasized.

Arif stressed that even if the prohibited substances are not visible in the final product, the production process remains a critical consideration in determining halal status.

"The law requires not only the food but also the packaging, the medium, and other accompanying elements to meet halal standards," he said.

MUI underlined that serving Muslim consumers must be prioritized by ensuring that no religiously prohibited elements are present throughout the entire production chain.

APMAKI clarification

Secretary General of the Indonesian Food Packaging Producers Association (APMAKI), Ardy Susanto, said that the association had reviewed the use of special lubricating oil in the production process of stainless steel food trays originating from China, but ultimately decided not to import the trays due to halal concerns.

Ardy cited that several manufacturers reported a production failure rate of 7–8 percent per 100 units. "They consulted the machine manufacturers in China, and the recommendation was to use a special lubricant commonly applied there. With this oil, the failure rate could be reduced to below 1 percent," he said.

However, Ardy emphasized that the halal status of the lubricant had not been confirmed. "We advised manufacturers not to use the oil because our production process has already passed halal inspection. Any changes in materials must first be consulted with the authorities," he said.

APMAKI, Ardy added, sent letters to the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) on August 7, 2025 and to the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) on August 8, 2025, seeking their views on the lubricant's status.

"The conclusion was clear: products that have been certified halal must not be produced using impure or non-halal materials," he stressed.

The lubricant in question, identified as Angery AZY-955F, is known as stamping and drawing oil for stainless steel. However, due to halal certification considerations, its importation was ultimately canceled.