Perceptions of Muslim Youth on Halal Animal Feed and its Importance in Food Production

Halal animal feed is essential in animal-based food production to ensure compliance with Islamic dietary laws and to maintain the integrity of the halal food supply chain. This study explores the perceptions of Muslim youth, specifically final-year students from the Academy of Contemporary Islamic Studies (ACIS), UiTM Shah Alam, regarding the importance of halal animal feed in food production. A survey of 92 students revealed a high level of awareness and understanding, with 72.8% agreeing they understood halal feed requirements and 83.7% recognizing differences between halal and non-halal feed. While 71.7% credited their academic background for this knowledge, only 61.9% felt confident in explaining the concept to others, indicating areas for educational enhancement. Although over half believed sufficient public information is available, 48.9% expressed uncertainty or disagreement, reflecting a divided perception. Importantly, 75% of respondents acknowledged that halal animal feed is essential for producing halal meat, and 76.1% emphasized its prioritization in food production. The findings underscore the effectiveness of Islamic studies education in cultivating halal literacy among students and highlight the need for broader public awareness initiatives. Overall, the study affirms the critical role of halal animal feed in the halal industry and the importance of youth engagement in upholding halal standards.