A reply from Cadbury
Thank you for contacting us regarding Halal certification of our Cadbury product range.
We proudly make products that are enjoyed by people of every race, colour and creed.
One of the main reasons we carried a Halal certification symbol on the packaging of some of our products was to ensure that people of Muslim faith could identify our products as including ingredients that meet their consumption requirements. However, as part of a recent packaging refresh across many of our product lines we are working towards placing product information relating to Halal certification on our website rather than on the product itself.
Apart from referencing our Halal certification status online, rather than on-pack, little else has changed; and Halal certified Cadbury products remain treats that people of Muslim faith, both here in Australia/New Zealand and elsewhere, can continue to enjoy.
Cadbury products do not contain ingredients from animals with the exception of fresh full cream milk which is present within our Cadbury Dairy Milk milk chocolate recipe. The cows that we source this milk from are not slaughtered in accordance with Islamic law.
Following other consumer inquiries, we have written formally to the AFIC in order to seek clarification on its business activities. In response, the AFIC provided us with verbal and written assurances that it is not engaged in unlawful activities. As such, we have confidence in AFIC as a reputable organisation.
We would also like to make clear that the Halal certification of our products is not intended to offend any other cultural or religious belief; and does not prevent other faiths from being able to purchase and consume our products. We pay a blanket administration fee that covers the certification of a number of our products. This cost is not a tax and is not attributed to a particular product or brand, therefore consumers don’t pay more for a Halal certified product versus a non-certified product.
As a business, we are founded upon values of integrity and respect and take a strong stance against any individual or campaign promoting racism, bigotry and disrespect.
We hope this addresses your questions and any concerns you might have. We produce products that bring joy to millions of people across the world every day, and we’re determined to keep doing that.
Yours sincerely,
MONDELEZ INTERNATIONAL
Adam Watson
Adam Watson
Customer Solutions Specialist