Bandar Seri Begawan - The Golden Churn Creamery Butter product by Ballantyne Food Pty Ltd, New Zealand, can be used by Muslims in the country as it is guaranteed Halal and is safe for use, the Brunei Darussalam Islamic Religious Council (MUIB) said in a statement yesterday.

The Inspection Committee, comprising officials from the Brunei Darussalam Islamic Religious Council, Ministry of Religious Affairs, State Mufti Office and the Ministry of Health, recently made a visit to the Ballantyne Food Pty Ltd in New Zealand, which is the producer of the Golden Churn Creamery Butter.

Following such visit, it was found that the processing of Golden Churn Pure Creamery Butter in New Zealand met the Syara' requirements and is in accordance with the Public Health Act (Chapter 182) and Halal Food Standards (Brunei Darussalam PDB, 2007 Standards).

The sample of the creamery butter from such Butter Processing Centre in New Zealand which is sold in the Sultanate has also been sent to the scientific laboratory of the Ministry of Health.

Based on the analysis, its Halal status is not doubted and not dubious, as it is not mixed with any animals' DNA other than the cow milk source or anything that could taint such butter in terms of cleanliness and health.

The Brunei Darussalam Islamic Religious Council in its second meeting on January 12, 2013 has also considered the matter pertaining the report of the inspection visit.

The council decided that the Golden Churn Pure Creamery Butter product from Fonterra Cooperative Group Ltd, Allen Street, Morrinsville, 3340 New Zealand, has met the Public Health Act Chapter 182 in terms of Syara' law, cleanliness and health, and Halal Food Standards (Brunei Darussalam PDB, 2007 Standards).

The Golden Churn Pure Creamery Butter product can enter Brunei Darussalam as its Halal status is not doubted besides having high and guaranteed quality and food safety.

Based on the decision by the Brunei Darussalam Islamic Religious Council, the Golden Churn Creamery Butter product by Ballantyne Food Pty Ltd, New Zealand can be used by Muslims in the country as it is guaranteed Halal.