Study highlights the importance of innovation in building trust in the Halal market

At the first edition of CTec Halal, Flávio Redi, CEO of Eco Halal—a startup that uses blockchain-based traceability to make the food supply chain's production process more transparent—presented his work, “Using Artificial Intelligence Technologies to Ensure Compliance with Halal Precepts in the Food Industry.”

According to him, the work presented highlights 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, increasing trust and transparency in the sector.”

Flávio, how did you come up with the idea for your work? 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 when it comes to the certification process. My goal has always been to show that technology, such as blockchain, can provide complete traceability from production to the end consumer, ensuring that products strictly comply with Halal principles. It can also make the Halal certification process faster and less costly for certification bodies and businesses.

How important is traceability in the Halal sector? 

Traceability is essential in the Halal sector because it ensures that food is produced in accordance with all religious and ethical guidelines. It provides transparency and builds trust among consumers, certifiers, and businesses, ensuring there are no deviations along the production chain. This is especially important in global markets, where trust is essential for trade.

What is the current situation in Brazil in this regard?

Brazil is one of the world’s largest exporters of Halal animal protein, but challenges remain in digitization and end-to-end traceability. Many processes are still manual, which can lead to inefficiencies and errors. However, there has been significant progress 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 at the time of Halal slaughter.

Your work already “works” in practice, right? How is EcoHalal currently supporting Halal food exporters?

Yes, the system is already up and running and has made a significant contribution to Halal food exporters. EcoHalal helps monitor and ensure compliance at every stage of production, enabling exporters to assure their customers that 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 areas for improvement?

Yes, ongoing learning in the use of technology has shown us several opportunities for improvement. One is the deeper integration of automation systems, which can further reduce human error and make processes faster and more efficient. We are also 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 valuable in strengthening Brazil's position in the global Halal products market.