Maharashtra dairy cooperative says its halal certification was secured in 2018 solely to support export market access.
Gokul Dairy has clarified that its halal certification, currently at the center of a political and public controversy, was originally obtained in 2018 to facilitate exports to international markets. The cooperative said the certification was intended strictly for compliance with overseas buyer requirements and not for domestic religious considerations.
The controversy emerged after questions were raised about the cooperative’s certification practices, prompting public debate and political reactions in Maharashtra. In response, Gokul Dairy stressed that halal certification is a common requirement in several export destinations and forms part of routine international trade standards followed by many food and dairy exporters.
Officials from the cooperative explained that the certification applies only to specific export-oriented processes and products. They emphasized that the move was commercially driven, designed to help expand market access and strengthen the cooperative’s competitiveness in global dairy trade rather than influence local consumption patterns.
The clarification comes as India’s dairy sector increasingly focuses on export growth and value-added product diversification. Dairy cooperatives and processors across the country have been seeking certifications and compliance approvals necessary for entering new international markets, particularly in regions where halal standards are mandatory for imported food products.
Industry analysts note that the issue highlights the growing intersection between dairy exports, regulatory compliance and domestic political sensitivities. As India aims to strengthen its global dairy footprint, cooperatives may face increasing scrutiny over certifications tied to international trade requirements while balancing local public perceptions.
Source: Hindustan Times – Gokul Clarifies Halal Certification Row
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