P091 CROSS-CONTAMINATION IN BRUNEI’S FOOD PREMISES: AN ISLAMIC PERSPECTIVE BASED ON MAQASID AL-SHARIAH

Abstract

Halal integrity is at risk by cross-contamination in food premises, especially in nations like Brunei Darussalam where halal certification is strictly regulated. Through an understanding of Maqasid al-Shariah (the objectives of Islamic law), this article examines cross-contamination issues within Brunei’s food premises with an emphasis on protection of life (hifz al-nafs) and protection of religion (hifz al-din).  The study looks at journal articles, enforcement reports, and actual case incidents in Brunei using qualitative document analysis. The results show that poor segregation procedures, a lack of compliance to halal standards, and improper handling of non-halal sources are the main causes of cross-contamination. Systemic gaps in monitoring and awareness are shown by a number of actual cases, such as the use of pig-bristle brushes, the storage of suspicious meat, and the presence of non-halal ingredients in halal-certified premises. Based on the study’s findings, avoiding future occurrences requires improving Maqasid-based compliance frameworks, training halal supervisors, and strengthening halal governance.