Research Article
Enhancing Halal Management System in Poultry Production and Halal Control Point-Based Compliance Framework for Thailand
Hafit Khamnurak1, Asman Taeali1, Md Mahfujur Rahman2*
1Faculty of Islamic Sciences, Prince of Songkla University, Thailand; 2Institute of Halal Management, Islamic Business School, Universiti Utara Malaysia, Kedah, Malaysia.
Abstract | The increasing global demand for Halal-certified poultry has underscored the importance of developing of Halal Management System (HMS) integrated with Halal Control Point (HCP) in the poultry production system. Thus, Thailand one of the world’s leading exporters of Halal poultry products, faces persistent challenges in implementing a cohesive HMS across the poultry production system. Hence, the current study aims to develop a comprehensive HMS framework with HCP by analysing regulatory practices, Islamic legal principles, and operational gaps within the Thai poultry industry. A qualitative methodology was employed, comprising document analysis of primary Islamic sources, national regulations, and Halal standards. It also includes in-depth interviews with different stakeholders and focus group discussions with Halal certification experts. Findings revealed five foundational principles critical to Halal poultry operations: Halal feed, animal welfare, proper slaughter procedures, rules on pre-slaughter stunning, and Najis (impurity) management. Thailand’s Halal poultry production system exhibits partial compliance, with relatively stronger implementation at midstream and downstream stages. However, upstream stages lack formal regulation, particularly concerning feed, breeding, and transportation practices. To address these gaps, the study introduces total 40-point Halal Control Point (HCP), segmented across upstream (4), midstream (22), downstream (10), and distribution (4) checkpoints. The proposed HMS based model with 40 HCPs emphasizes traceability, Shariah adherence, and regulatory standardization of the poultry production in Thailand. This study recommends strengthening the regulatory compliance, enhancing training for Halal personnel, and adopting the 40-HCP model to support global market competitiveness.
Keywords | Poultry production, Halal control point, Halal management system, Supply chain, Thailand, Regulatory compliance
Received | July 15, 2025; Accepted | September 12, 2025; Published | January 08, 2026
*Correspondence | Md Mahfujur Rahman, Institute of Halal Management, Islamic Business School, Universiti Utara Malaysia, Kedah 06010, Malaysia; Email: [email protected]
Citation | Khamnurak H, Taeali A, Rahman MM (2026). Enhancing halal management system in poultry production and halal control point-based compliance framework for Thailand. J. Anim. Health Prod. 14(1): 161-169.
DOI | https://dx.doi.org/10.17582/journal.jahp/2026/14.1.161.169
ISSN (Online) | 2308-2801
Copyright: 2026 by the authors. Licensee ResearchersLinks Ltd, England, UK.
This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
INTRODUCTION
Islamic law (Shariah) governs all aspects of a Muslim’s life, including food consumption. Halal, meaning permissible in Arabic, encompasses not only the ingredients and end products but also the entire process, from farm to fork. Increasingly, Halal is not only a religious requirement but also a global standard linked to hygiene, animal welfare, and transparency. As global awareness of Halal food practices grows, international markets are placing greater scrutiny on Halal compliance, particularly in the context of animal-based products like poultry (Bonne and Verbeke, 2008; Tieman et al., 2012).
Thailand is among the world’s top poultry exporters and supplies significant volumes of Halal-certified poultry to countries such as Malaysia, Brunei, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia (Gul et al., 2022; Wongtangtintharn et al., 2025). However, despite its position as a key supplier, the Thai Halal poultry supply chain exhibits fragmented regulatory oversight. While Midstream processes such as slaughtering and downstream processes such as receiving and washing are relatively well regulated, upstream operations, including feed, breeding, and farm management, often lack clear Halal governance and Shariah-aligned verification protocols. These regulatory gaps challenge Thailand’s credibility in the international Halal market.
To remain competitive in the market and comply with certain regulations, Thai poultry production system must align HMS with diverse Halal certification standards required by different importing countries. The implementation of robust legal processes is essential for maintaining the ethical and sustainable dimensions of Halal meat production (Rahman et al., 2024a). Furthermore, inconsistencies in stunning practices, Najis (impurity) handling, and animal welfare protocols complicated this landscape. Therefore, the current study proposes the development of Halal Control Point (HCP) framework aligned with HMS to ensure shariah compliance to all phases of poultry production from “farm to fork”.
Moreover, the Halal industry is linked with sustainability concern of animal production which includes environmental stewardship, ethical sourcing, and compassionate animal treatment. Consumers today either Muslim or Non-Muslim demand greater transparency regarding the production system and integrity with the Halal standards. Research have shown that the growth of the Halal market is not only among Muslim consumers but also among non-Muslims who associate production of with cleanliness and ethical standards. The Halal food industry lies within a unique context established by Islamic dietary laws by integrating food safety, quality, as well as ethical concern including the e animal welfare (Rahman et al., 2024b). This trend reinforces the importance of having a rigorous, transparent, and adaptable HMS for the poultry production with HCP framework.
Previous studies from countries with robust Islamic governance such as Malaysia and Brunei have established structured Halal Management Systems (HMS) that emphasize religious compliance and traceability throughout the poultry production chain (Dashti et al., 2024; Sahari et al., 2024). Malaysia’s MS1500:2019 and Brunei’s prohibition of pre-slaughter stunning highlight regulatory variations that reflect theological interpretations and animal welfare concerns. While Halal logistics frameworks have been discussed (Tieman et al., 2012), few studies address sector-specific integration of Halal Control Points (HCPs) tailored to national regulatory demands. Thailand, despite being a leading Halal poultry exporter, faces challenges due to limited upstream certification and self-regulated practices under CICOT, which lack legal enforcement (Gunsun and Chirapanda, 2024). The fragmented approach to certification especially in upstream activities such as farming and feed sourcing weakens confidence in traceability and Shariah compliance. Moreover, inconsistencies in Halal standards across importing countries (e.g., stunning restrictions in Saudi Arabia and Brunei vs. conditional acceptance in Malaysia and UAE) further complicate export readiness (Alqudsi, 2014). Therefore, this study aims to examine the regulatory and operational gaps in Thailand’s Halal poultry production system and to develop an HCP-integrated HMS model that aligns with Islamic jurisprudence and export country standards, ensuring compliance from upstream to downstream stages.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This study adopted a qualitative research methodology, guided by the need to understand and propose a comprehensive Halal System Management (HSM) model that addresses the specific challenges of Thailand’s poultry industry. The qualitative methods were selected due to the complexity of Halal compliance issues, which are deeply embedded with religious and regulatory, frameworks (Yin, 2016; Tieman et al., 2012). Thus a triangulated data collection strategy was implemented to ensure robust and multidimensional insights of the poultry production system (Denzin, 2012).
Study design
The research was based on several provinces in Thailand where the production of poultry was focuses on Halal certification. Therefore, the study included Halal certified poultry slaughterhouses, poultry farms, poultry processing plant and Central Islamic Council of Thailand (CICOT) related to the poultry product Halal certification (Shafii and Zubir, 2018). The study was designed to map the actual practices in the poultry production for Halal compliance, identify regulatory inconsistencies, and explore the perspectives of stakeholders involved in Halal certification and operational process in poultry industry. Hence, constructivist interpretive approach was adopted to frame the research (Schwandt, 1994). This approach recognizes the importance of the participants’ understanding of their operational context and allows for an in-depth examination of how Halal poultry production practices are interpreted and implemented.
Data collection methods
For the collection of the data three data collection methods were used: document analysis, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions (FGDs). This triangulation allowed us to verify data consistency and develop a grounded framework for the proposed model (Creswell and Poth, 2018).
Document analysis
Document analysis involved the examination of both primary and secondary sources. Primary documents included:
Secondary sources consisted of published academic journal articles, government and NGO reports, Halal audit guidelines, and poultry industry manuals. These documents were systematically reviewed to extract key concepts, regulatory requirements, and Halal control points along the supply chain (Zailani et al., 2010; Talib et al., 2015). Content analysis was used to code recurring themes and compliance indicators relevant to upstream, midstream, and downstream phases of poultry production.
In-depth interviews
For the in-depth interviews, 17 significant stakeholders from the Central Islamic Council of Thailand (CICOT) were chosen through the use of purposive sampling. Among them were Halal executives, Halal auditors, Halal assurance controllers, and Halal slaughtering supervisors. The purpose of the open-ended question to determine the real-world production practice and challenges, inconsistent procedure and personal experiences enforcement of Halal Management System. The audio recordings of the interviews were verbatim transcribed and, if necessary, translated. The data was then coded using thematic analysis to identify patterns among different supply chain phases and stakeholders (Braun and Clarke, 2006). The interviewees talked about the various interpretations of Halal, the inadequacies of the current oversight, and the real-world difficulties of upholding Shariah conformity, especially in relation to poultry husbandry, production and transportation. Interview transcripts allow to reveal variations in the frequency of audits, certification renewal concerns, and the handling of startling practices (Tieman, 2011).
Focus group discussions (FGDs)
To validate preliminary findings and co-develop the HSM model, two FGDs were organized. Each group comprised 6–8 participants, including Halal scholars, poultry production experts, and regulatory officers with over 10 years of experience. The discussions centred around:
FGDs were moderated by the research team and followed a structured agenda. Data was collected through audio recordings and facilitator notes, then thematically analyzed to refine the structure and criteria of the proposed model. Participants emphasized the importance of traceability tools, staff training, and centralized digital certification systems (Tieman et al., 2012).
Data analysis techniques
Thematic analysis was employed across all datasets using both inductive and deductive coding strategies. Deductive codes were derived from established Halal principles, international standards, and audit protocols. Inductive codes emerged organically from participant narratives and document findings (Braun and Clarke, 2006).
All data was organized and categorized into four key stages of the supply chain: upstream (feed and farm), midstream (processing and slaughter), downstream (processing), and distribution (transport and retail). Each stage was analyzed for compliance risks, oversight gaps, and potential for intervention. Comparative benchmarking was also carried out to align Thailand’s Halal practices with leading Halal-exporting countries. The findings from the three data sources were triangulated to ensure credibility and completeness. This process helped in validating themes and ensuring that the resulting model was grounded in both theory and practice (Creswell and Poth, 2018).
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
The findings of the document analysis, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions (FGDs) are presented under three primary themes: (1) Halal control principles and Islamic legal foundations; (2) regulatory comparisons between national and international Halal standards; and (3) the development of 40 Halal Control Point (HCP) model that is optimized for the Thai poultry industry. The findings of document analysis, stakeholder interviews, and focus groups are summarized in Table 1. It classifies Halal control gaps in critical areas of the poultry supply chain, recommends model-based solutions within the HCP framework, and documents stakeholder validation to ensure Shariah compliance and utility. This comprehensive
Table 1: Thematic synthesis of gaps and interventions in Thailand’s halal management system for poultry production.
|
Control domain |
Identified gaps |
Model response |
Stakeholder validation |
Expected outcome |
|
Feed and input |
Lack of Halal-certified feed sources |
Mandate Halal-certified feed and ingredient verification |
Endorsed by auditors and CICOT officers |
Halal assurance from source, risk reduction |
|
Animal welfare |
No standardized ethical treatment guidelines |
Establish clear animal welfare SOPs in line with Islamic ethics |
Supported by Islamic scholars and vet officers |
Ethical compliance, increased global trust |
|
Slaughtering process |
Limited oversight on slaughter compliance |
Include pre- and post-slaughter audits with verification |
Validated in focus group feedback |
Prevent malpractice and reputational risk |
|
Processing |
Potential for cross-contamination |
Introduce zoning to prevent contamination |
Highlighted in industry workshop |
Improved hygiene and regulatory safety |
|
Packaging and labeling |
Inconsistent labeling across markets |
Enforce consistent Halal labeling and symbols |
Recognized as export requirement |
Global recognition and reduced consumer confusion |
|
Distribution |
Absence of traceability during transport |
Implement tracking systems and digital logs |
Viewed as priority for global trust |
Enhanced exportability and compliance tracking |
summary consolidates the development of an end-to-end compliance model for Thailand’s halal poultry exports. The regulatory vulnerabilities in Thailand are exacerbated by the disjointed certification ecosystem, which is led by CICOT and lacks legal enforcement power, as indicated by the focus group discussions. Auditors frequently observed inconsistencies in audit frequency and depth, which were often the result of a shortage of qualified inspectors and resource constraints. Experts recommended the establishment of bilateral mutual recognition agreements and the harmonization. They also called for integrating traceability technologies to monitor critical points across the supply chain (Alqudsi, 2014). Drawing from document analysis, stakeholder interviews, and focus group discussions (FGDs), this study developed 40 Halal Control Point (HCP) model to enhance Thailand’s poultry production with Halal Management System. The model is grounded in Islamic jurisprudence, benchmarks from international Halal standards (e.g., Malaysia’s MS1500, GSO standards), and practical insights from regulators and producers.
Upstream: Breeding and poultry management
The upstream with 4 HCPS plays a foundational role in Halal assurance, particularly in verifying inputs and ethical practices prior to slaughter. This stage comprises four control points: HCP1 Breeding and Animal Selection, Ensures sourcing of chicks from certified Halal breeding facilities, with documented lineage, ethical treatment, and animal welfare standards (Ramli et al., 2023). HCP2 Poultry feed, validates that all feed components are free from najis (ritual impurities) and haram substances. Halal-compliant growth enhancers, vitamins, and mineral supplements must be certified (Rahman et al., 2020; Shahdan et al., 2017). HCP3 Poultry rearing involves hygiene monitoring, proper vaccination, biosecurity control, and water source inspection to prevent disease and impurity contamination. Halal SOPs and staff training are implemented at the farm level. HCP4 Catching and Transportation to Slaughterhouse, Mandates humane animal handling, appropriate vehicle sanitation, and transportation conditions that do not cause animal stress. If stunning is used, it must be reversible and Shariah-compliant (Rahman et al., 2020; Razaly et al., 2018; Shahdan et al., 2017).
Midstream: Slaughterhouse operations
This stage represents the core of 22 Halal Control Points (HCPs), focusing on slaughtering and primary processing. These 22 checkpoints ensure compliance with both religious and hygienic standards: HCP1 Receiving Poultry, verifies documentation and transport conditions. HCP2: Animal Resting, allows physiological recovery before slaughter. HCP3 Unloading Poultry should ensure gentle handling and safe transfer (Razaly et al., 2018). HCP4 Hanging Poultry, done humanely without unnecessary stress (Rahman et al., 2020). HCP5 Stunning, if applied, must follow guidelines ensuring the animal is alive during slaughter. HCP6 Slaughtering, performed by a trained Muslim who recites tasmiyah. HCP7 Bleeding, ensures complete blood drainage (Rahman et al., 2021). HCP8 Carcass Washing (Post-Feathering), removes contaminants. HCP9 Red Carcass Inspection, detects abnormalities or non-compliance. HCP10 Postmortem, carcass Inspection (Post-Slaughter) confirms integrity and health. HCP11 Washing whole carcass before cutting with water spray and final rinsing stage (Shahdan et al., 2017; Razaly et al., 2018). HCP12 Cut Up, butchering and trimming carried out with clean, Halal-certified tools. HCP13 Metal Detection, ensures safety and equipment hygiene. HCP14 Chilling, emphasizes the storage and handling of products at cold room temperatures maintained between 0–4°C to minimize spoilage and bacterial growth. HCP15 Dispatch, highlights the hygienic preparation and timely delivery of chilled products to customers with attention to product freshness and Halal status. When longer product shelf life is needed, HCP16 Freezing the storage of items in freezer rooms at temperatures below -18°C to maintain product safety and quality. HCP17 Distribution captures the care for handling and delivery of frozen product with a maintained cold chain system that preserves Halal status and protects customer trust. HCP18 Chicken feet, washing to remove visible contaminants, blood, and residual dirt, ensuring hygienic handling and compliance with Halal and food safety standards. HCP19 Washing of Giblets, ensures compliance with hygiene protocols. HCP20 Disposal of carcass, manages non-Halal or defective carcasses (Shuib et al., 2024; Shahdan et al., 2017). HCP21 Water Quality Inspection, Tests for najis contamination. HCP22 Bag quality inspection (Packaging and Labelling), verifies material purity, Halal logos, and traceability information (Bonne and Verbeke, 2008). Facilities at this stage must maintain documentation logs, use Halal-certified sanitation agents, and be subject to audits by authorities such as CICOT (Gunsun and Chirapanda, 2024; Talib et al., 2015).
Downstream: Processing and packaging
The downstream phase addresses further processing and packaging including 10 HCPs. Key Halal control mechanisms at this stage include: HCP1 Receiving of raw chicken and other ingredients for processing. HCP2 Cutting, tools and surfaces must be segregated. HCP3 Washing of the carcass and ingredients with water spray. HCP4 Metal Detection to ensure no metallic contaminants are present in processed products. HCP5 Cold Storage Holding, chilled products stored at 0–4°C to maintain quality. HCP6 Chilled Product Preparation and Dispatch, chilled items are packed and sent for delivery under controlled conditions. HCP7 Freezer Storage Holding, frozen items are stored below -18°C to ensure product integrity. HCP8 Frozen Product Preparation and Dispatch, final preparation and delivery of frozen products via cold chain logistics. HCP9 Water Quality Inspection, regular inspection of water used in processing to ensure Halal and hygienic standards. HCP10 Bag, packaging and labelling for the verification of compliance with Halal logos, product traceability, and regulatory compliance (Shuib et al., 2024; Shahdan et al., 2017). This phase ensures cold chain integrity, label verification, and Halal product segregation. Transport staff must be trained in Halal handling protocols, and traceability systems should be implemented for recall efficiency (Zailani et al., 2010; Tieman, 2011).
Distribution: Retail and export logistics
The distribution stage serves as the final frontier in Halal assurance, especially in retail and export logistics with 4 HCPs. HCP1 Receiving, Halal-certified products are received with proper documentation and inspection for compliance. HCP2 Storage, Halal and non-Halal products must be stored separately to avoid cross-contamination. HCP3 Transfer, internal movement or handover of products between storage and display must maintain traceability and Halal status (Talib et al., 2014). HCP4 Distribution (Retail/Export), final distribution to outlets or consumers, including audit checks, labelling verification, and visibility of Halal logo at the point of sale. Additional requirements include Halal documentation at customs checkpoints, product handling SOPs for retailers, hygiene monitoring during transport, and educational outreach for end-users (Purnomo et al., 2017; Shuib et al., 2024).
To complement these findings, Figure 1 offers a visual representation of Halal Management System, mapped with total 40 halal control points for the poultry production. It visually aligns with traceability models proposed by Tieman (2011) and adapts the principles of halalan tayyiban to each operational phase. By showcasing specific control points at particularly stages such as feed intake, slaughter verification, labelling, and customs clearance the Figure 1 emphasizes systemic control across the value chain with HMS.
Stakeholder perspectives
Focus groups (FGDs) and interviews have obtained valuable qualitative data in the validation of the model. The 40-point Halal Control Point (HCP) process reflects, in the creation, the views of technical experts, the practical realities experienced by producers, and their experiences. The issues we observe with Halal compliance indicate significant deficiencies in the halal certification process.
A Halal auditor with over 12 years’ experience noted, Often our inspection only relates to the slaughtering processes. The greatest risk to Halal integrity is related to feed movement of the animal and animal management before slaughter.
The theme of the issue of ineffective regulation of upstream supply chain elements is consistent amongst the interviews, and this comment illustrates that point. In Thailand, there is regulatory control of the killing process, but no consideration of Islamically derived expectations of purity- which extend to all actions in the movement from farm to table. Auditing is important to maintain the fulfilment of the halalan tayyiban standard, made more challenging when auditors identified that there was no legal structure to establish regulations around feed contents, farm cleanliness, or animal vaccination programs.
A representative from the Central Islamic Council of Thailand (CICOT) noted an institutional deficiency: “We are not provided with the legal authority to enforce upstream compliance.” Despite the fact that our mandate encompasses slaughterhouses and labeling, farms and feed producers are subject to minimal Halal oversight.” This statement highlights the aforementioned critical deficiency in the legal system. CICOT is the primary Halal regulatory authority in Thailand; however, it has jurisdiction over only a percentage of the supply chain. Therefore, we have variances regarding animal welfare, biosecurity measures, and sourcing of feed. The HCP model proposed addresses this as it presents a policy universal approach to regulate compliance from production through to distribution.
The focus group discussion participants highlighted current traceability systems in digital capacity. A certification expert noted: “If we don’t have digital traceability, we truly live on our weak manual verification method.” This leads to a substantial consumer confidence reduction in our export markets. This issue corresponds with earlier research emphasizing the significance of traceability in contemporary Halal logistics (Zailani et al., 2010; Tieman, 2011). The proposal advocates for the incorporation of centralized Halal tracking databases or blockchain-based verification to enable real-time monitoring and improve cross-border transparency.
There exists no definitive standard operating procedure for addressing a suspected Halal violation, remarked another seasoned industry professional. Each slaughterhouse responds to it independently.
This statement highlights the lack of a crisis response framework, hindering compliance efforts and leading to uneven enforcement. Furthermore, it emphasizes the imperative for uniform Standard Operating Procedures to be integrated into the downstream and distribution phases of the HCP model.
These experiences ultimately validate the model’s necessity and confirm the structural and operational concerns mentioned in the literature. Integrating these viewpoints guarantees that the proposed model is both theoretically sound and rooted in the real difficulties faced by auditors, regulators, and industry stakeholders.
Integrative interpretation of supply chain gaps and solutions
The research reveals significant regulatory blind spots, particularly in the upstream segments of Thailand’s poultry supply chain such as feed sourcing, animal husbandry, and pre-slaughter care. These critical points are often excluded from formal Halal audits (Ramli et al., 2023; Shahdan et al., 2017). The proposed 40-point Halal Control Point (HCP) model effectively addresses these deficiencies by offering a comprehensive framework applicable from farm to fork. This reinforces the Islamic principles of halalan tayyiban, extending compliance beyond ritual slaughter to encompass ethical production and traceability.
Stakeholders voiced concerns over fragmented practices and lack of clarity in Halal auditing standards, highlighting the need for uniform guidelines and centralized oversight. The model’s emphasis on upstream stages also addresses consumer trust deficits by embedding Shariah values into every stage of the value chain (Razaly et al., 2018; Shuib et al., 2024).
Theoretical and empirical alignment
Our findings align closely with the foundational works of Tieman (2011), who emphasized holistic Halal assurance along the entire supply chain and underscored the urgent need for improved traceability technologies. Unlike prior studies that focus predominantly on consumer perspectives (Bonne and Verbeke, 2008), this research contributes from the perspective of regulators and producers in a Muslim-minority country.
Talib et al. (2015) identified organizational and managerial drivers as critical to Halal supply chain success. Our study builds on this by integrating these drivers into an actionable model. Additionally, the lack of synergy between religious authorities and commercial operators a gap particularly salient in Thailand due to the limited statutory power of CICOT.
Strategic implications for regulation and industrial practice
Strengthening poultry industry practices
The 40-point model enables poultry producers to conduct end-to-end Halal compliance audits. This can reduce incidences of contamination, recalls, and export rejections. It also opens pathways for gaining competitive advantage in high-demand markets such as the GCC and OIC member states.
Internal implementation of the model also promotes employee awareness and accountability. Producers who adopt these standards not only improve compliance but align their operations with Islamic ethical standards boosting brand credibility among Muslim consumers.
Reforming national regulatory frameworks
National-level adoption of this model would require revisions to Thailand’s Halal standards. Policymakers should embed upstream compliance in law and create enforcement mechanisms. This aligns with international best practices, including Malaysia’s MS1500 and Brunei’s Halal protocols.
Capacity-building programs, particularly for Halal auditors, must include upstream process knowledge, Islamic jurisprudence, and digital tools. Furthermore, deploying blockchain or centralized databases would significantly enhance the credibility and auditability of Halal compliance systems.
Regional integration and global relevance of the hcp model
The proposed model is not only nationally relevant to Thailand but scalable across ASEAN. It provides a structured basis for mutual recognition agreements and cross-border certification facilitating Halal trade integration. At the global level, the HCP model contributes to international Halal standardization efforts under SMIIC, GSO, and OIC. It also provides practical alignment with the United Nations SDGs, especially Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being). It provides key structural features across Malaysia’s MS1500 standard and Thailand’s current practice, and proposed HCP framework.
CONCLUSION
This study developed a comprehensive 40-point Halal Control Point (HCP) model tailored to the unique regulatory and operational landscape of Thailand’s poultry industry. Drawing from Islamic legal principles, stakeholder insights, and international Halal standards, the model addresses long-standing gaps in upstream regulation, traceability, and enforcement consistency. It offers a structured and integrative framework that extends Halal compliance from farm to retail, aligning with the Islamic principles of halalan tayyiban.
Through document analysis, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions, the study identified critical vulnerabilities in Thailand’s current Halal assurance system particularly the limited oversight of feed sources, animal welfare, and traceability tools. By incorporating stakeholder feedback and best practices from models like Malaysia’s MS1500 and SMIIC guidelines, the proposed HCP model introduces practical checkpoints that can enhance consumer trust, reduce audit errors, and promote international market competitiveness.
The findings carry important implications for Halal governance in Muslim-minority contexts. Thailand’s regulatory agencies, particularly CICOT, could benefit from adopting the model to reinforce their authority across the full supply chain. Furthermore, the model serves as a blueprint for other ASEAN countries seeking to integrate Islamic values with modern food logistics and quality management systems.
Future research may focus on quantitative validation of the model, digital implementation of traceability systems, and cross-border harmonization of Halal certification. Policymakers, certification bodies, and producers alike are encouraged to use this model as a foundation for regulatory reform and strategic industry alignment within the global Halal economy.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
The authors gratefulness to the Graduate Student Mobility Programme for Overseas Research at Prince of Songkla University for providing financial support under Agreement No. OTR 2568-005. Thus, we acknowledge the collaborative effort between Prince of Songkla University and the Islamic Business School, Universiti Utara Malaysia, which contributed to the successful completion of this research.
NOVELTY STATEMENT
This study presents an innovative development of Halal Control Point (HCP) framework for the poultry production which can play an important tole not only for the Thailand but also in global Halal exports. In contrast to the majority of existing studies, which mainly concentrate on general animal production, this research adopts a comprehensive, HCP approach that includes the initial, middle, final, and distribution phases of the poultry production and processing. The study anchored the Islamic law and aligned it with international Halal standards and validated it through detailed interviews and focus group discussions with local Halal stakeholders. Thus, the study provides an operationally feasible and Sharia-compliant Halal Management System framework for the poultry production system. This proposed HCP framework is unprecedented within the Thai context and offers a practical compliance guide that facilitates not only national standardization but also regional alignment within ASEAN’s diverse Halal regulatory environment of the poultry production system.
AUTHOR’S CONTRIBUTION
HK: Conducted the research, including data collection, analysis, and model development, as part of his PhD study. AT: Served as academic supervisor, providing critical guidance on the integration of Islamic jurisprudence and Shariah principles throughout the research. MMR: Supervised the work with a focus on Halal compliance and integration of Halal Control Points in Halal System management in the poultry production. All authors reviewed and approved the final manuscript.
Ethical guideline
This study used qualitative methods, document analysis, expert interviews, and focus groups. It did not involve experimentation with humans or animals, therefore ethical approval or institutional permissions were not required.
Generative AI and AI-assisted technology statement
AI tools were used only for language editing for grammar refinement; no generative AI was used to create substantive content of this manuscript.
Conflict of interest
The authors have declared no conflict of interest.
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