Setting the standard: HK Q-Mark covers halal food and more

Sectors beyond catering are expected to see a halal Q-mark in Hong Kong that can give confidence to Muslim visitors in the city and even the Greater Bay Area, executive councilor Jeffrey Lam Kin-fung told The Standard.

The initiative follows last month’s launch of the Hong Kong Q-Mark Halal Scheme, designed to help Muslim residents and tourists more easily identify high-quality halal dining options.

Federation of Hong Kong Industries director-general Bonnie Chan Shum-yue said that catering is but the first step, and she does not rule out that the Q-Halal Mark will be applied across its 33 industry groups.

It is understood that a large-scale forum, organized by the FHKI and the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce, will be held later this year. It will provide local businesses with onestop information on halal-friendly development opportunities. Government officials are also expected to attend the event.

The Q-Halal Mark is a joint effort by the FHKI and the Incorporated Trustees of the Islamic Community Fund of Hong Kong, or BOT, the body responsible for halal certification in the region.

The Q-Halal Mark will be included for the first time at the annual Q-Mark presentation ceremony on November 25 at the Grand Hyatt to recognize awarded restaurants, which will also gain access to future promotional events organized by FHKI.

FHKI chairman Anthony Lam Sai-ho expressed confidence that the Q-Halal Mark will enhance Hong Kong’s halalfriendly environment and strengthen its position as a leading Muslim-friendly travel and business hub, recognizing the Muslim market as a key driver of future economic growth.

Any BOT-certified restaurant featured on the official “List of Halal Certified Restaurants in Hong Kong and Macau” is eligible to apply,
including those operating within hotels and theme parks.

BOT chairman Saeed Uddin said there are currently some 300 halal certificate holders in Hong Kong.

Among them, the Kowloon Shangri-La Hotel’s Cafe Kool is certified as a “Halal Kitchen Restaurant.” The hotel also offers special halal products during festive periods, such as mooncakes which use ingredients that meet strict halal standards. Halal Chinese New Year food offerings are also expected.

FHKI’s Chan told The Standard that the federation will hold several seminars to introduce the Q-Halal Mark to BOT-certified restaurants. The application process takes one to two months. Any restaurant meeting the BOT’s halal standards may apply, with an annual certification fee of HK$880.

The Hong Kong Q-Mark Council, operating under the FHKI, will oversee the scheme. Mystery customers will assess applicants based on facilities, staff performance, service quality, and customer experience.

The Council will also perform random inspections to ensure ongoing compliance. Restaurants that meet the standards will receive a Q-Halal Mark license and gain access to promotional opportunities through the Q-Mark network.

Chan emphasized that the mark offers a confidence guarantee for Muslim visitors.

Backed in the latest policy address, and with the Hong Kong Tourism Board launching a funding scheme to cover half of the certification
fee for halal-certified restaurants, the city can expect more halal delicacies and specialty dining options in the near future.