Study shows the importance of innovation to increase confidence in the Halal market

During the first edition of CTec Halal, Flávio Redi, CEO of Eco Halal – a startup that uses blockchain-based traceability to make the food chain production process more transparent – presented the paper “Use of Artificial Intelligence Technologies to Ensure Compliance with Halal Precepts in the Food Industry.”

According to him, the work presented demonstrates the importance of investing in innovation for the future of the Halal market. "Emerging technologies, such as blockchain and artificial intelligence, are just the beginning. I believe that, in the future, we will see a complete transformation in the way Halal products are traced and certified, which will increase trust and transparency in the sector."

Flávio, how did the idea for your work come about? What did you want to convey through it?

The idea arose from the need to ensure greater transparency and trust in the Halal food sector, especially regarding the certification process. My goal has always been to demonstrate that, through technology like blockchain, it's possible to offer complete traceability, from production to the end consumer, ensuring that products strictly comply with Halal precepts. Furthermore, I want to streamline and reduce the cost of the Halal certification process for both certifying bodies and companies.

How important is traceability in the Halal segment?

Traceability is essential in the Halal segment because it ensures that food follows all religious and ethical guidelines during its production. It provides transparency and confidence for consumers, certifiers, and companies, ensuring that there are no deviations throughout the production chain. This is especially important in global markets where trust is essential for trade.

What is the reality in Brazil currently like in this regard?

Brazil is one of the world's largest exporters of Halal animal protein, but challenges remain in terms of digitization and end-to-end traceability control. Many processes are still manual, which can lead to inefficiencies and errors. However, significant progress has been made in the use of technologies such as blockchain and artificial intelligence, which are helping to modernize the sector and increase transparency throughout the process, including the Halal slaughter process.

Your work already "works" in practice, right? What support is EcoHalal currently providing to Halal food exporters?

Yes, the system is already in operation and has made a significant contribution to Halal food exporters. EcoHalal helps monitor and ensure compliance at every stage of production, allowing exporters to assure their customers that their products meet all religious and food safety requirements. This adds value to the product and facilitates access to new markets.

Has this experience so far pointed to ways for improvement or enhancements?

Yes, continuous learning in the use of technology has shown us several opportunities for improvement. One of them is the deeper integration of automation systems, which can further reduce human error and make processes faster and more efficient. Additionally, we are exploring ways to expand traceability to other Halal-related sectors.

What is your assessment of CTec Halal?

CTec Halal has played a crucial role in developing and disseminating knowledge about Halal certification in Brazil. Partnerships with international organizations have been invaluable in strengthening Brazil's position in the global Halal product market.