BANGKOK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Intertek, a leading provider of quality and safety solutions to a wide range of industries, has joined the International Halal Integrity Alliance (IHIA) in signing a Memorandum of Understanding with the Central Islamic Committee of Thailand (CICOT) and Halal India Pvt Ltd (HI) to implement the Global Halal Management System (GHMS).

The GHMS is a set of standards and regulations for which the Halal Certification practice is set against to implement a global accreditation standard. The unique system addresses products, processes and systems with a detailed framework to meet current industry demands. Specifically, the GHMS covers five major elements: Halal Fundamental Requirements (Shariah aspect), Quality Management Systems, Food Safety Assurance Plans, Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management and Sustainability.

Intertek’s role will be to complement the Halal Certification Body by operating as a partner and provider for non-Shariah quality and safety solutions, from auditing and inspection to testing, quality assurance and certification aspects. The Shariah aspect will be prepared by the Halal Certification Body.

The MOU signing ceremony was held at The Chaophya Pak Hotel in Bangkok, Thailand in conjunction with 1^st Halal Lead Auditors Training, organized by Intertek and IHIA with CICOT as the host country. The signing ceremony was witnessed by the General Secretary of CICOT, His Excellency Mr. Pichate Satirachaval, and Director for The Halal Institute of Thailand, Mr. Anirut Smuthkochorn. From the IHIA, Senior Manager for Halal Standards & Systems, Mr. Ahmad Azudin Abd Khalid, was present along with HI’s Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Muhammad Meeran. From Intertek, Regional Director Asia-Pacific for Food Services, Mr. Pitak Supanantakarn, joined the ceremony along with Halal Director, Mr. Azmel Reza Abu Mansor.

His Excellency, Mr. Pichate Satirachaval of CICOT said, “I am pleased that the collaboration and co-operation of the GHMS by Intertek and its partners will further strengthen the support structure for Halal process systems, and look forward to the growth of Halal in Thailand as well as globally.”

Intertek and CICOT will continue development of a Halal Laboratory to conduct product testing for Halal standards and regulatory requirements, as agreed upon earlier this year. Intertek will also provide support on all quality activities (food quality and safety, QMS) for CICOT to effectively facilitate Halal certification programs (THS 24000:2552).

About Intertek

Intertek (ITRK.L), www.intertek.com, is a leading provider of quality and safety solutions serving a wide range of industries around the world. From auditing and inspection, to testing, quality assurance and certification, Intertek people are dedicated to adding value to customers' products and processes, supporting their success in the global marketplace. Intertek has the expertise, resources and global reach to support its customers through its network of more than 1,000 laboratories and offices and over 24,000 people in over 100 countries around the world.