(Halal Sector Manager & Visiting Research Fellow, Huddersfield University Business School, UK)
Dr Awal Fuseini
Dr Awal Fuseini is a highly experienced Halal sector manager, animal welfare expert, and visiting research fellow at Huddersfield University Business School, UK. With a PhD in Animal Welfare and Meat Science from Bristol University, Dr. Fuseini has dedicated his career to advancing the understanding of Halal meat production and improving animal welfare standards. His work plays a critical role in bridging the gap between Halal certification bodies, meat producers, and export markets, particularly in the Middle East and Sub-Saharan Africa.
Professional Background and Expertise
Dr. Awal Fuseini works closely with levy payers and key stakeholders in the Halal meat industry to promote best practices in Halal meat production and ensure compliance with Halal certification standards. His primary role involves introducing initiatives to enhance the appeal of English beef and lamb as versatile and high-quality products for Halal consumers. A significant aspect of his work is liaising with Halal certification bodies to facilitate the export of English beef and lamb to global markets, with a particular focus on the Middle Eastern and African regions.
In addition to his role in the Halal sector, Dr. Fuseini is a trained auditor in British Retail Consortium (BRC) and ISO 9001 standards, further solidifying his expertise in ensuring compliance with global food safety and quality standards. His extensive experience as an auditor and certification manager for one of the largest Halal certifiers in the UK has provided him with valuable insights into the operational and ethical challenges of Halal meat production.
Academic Contributions and Research
Dr. Fuseini’s research interests lie in animal welfare, particularly in relation to slaughter methods, and consumer behavior in the Halal meat market. His academic background, combined with years of hands-on experience, has allowed him to make significant contributions to the field through peer-reviewed publications in reputable scientific journals such as Meat Science, Veterinary Record, Animal Welfare, CAB Reviews, and Food Ethics. His work has also contributed to policy discussions at the EU level, where he has been consulted on issues related to animal welfare and Halal meat standards.
In addition to his academic articles, Dr. Fuseini recently published a book on Halal meat production and market opportunities, which has received positive reviews from industry experts. The book explores the global Halal market, focusing on export opportunities for British beef and lamb, and highlights the growing demand for Halal-certified products across international markets.
Industry Leadership and Global Influence
As a Visiting Research Fellow at Huddersfield University Business School, Dr. Fuseini combines his industry expertise with academic leadership to explore the intersections of business management, food production, and Halal market trends. His role as a Halal sector manager allows him to influence the export strategy for UK-produced meat, ensuring it meets the rigorous standards of the global Halal market.
Dr. Fuseini also works with numerous Halal certification bodies to keep abreast of the evolving requirements of major export markets. His efforts ensure that English beef and lamb producers can successfully meet the demands of key international markets, such as those in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and South Africa. This is particularly significant as Halal consumers in these regions continue to seek high-quality, ethically produced meat.
Beyond his consultancy work, Dr. Fuseini is an Honorary Associate of the British Veterinary Association and a member of multiple food industry working groups. These roles enable him to contribute to policy development and regulatory frameworks aimed at improving standards in animal welfare and Halal food production.
Public Speaking and Training
Dr. Fuseini is also an accomplished public speaker and trainer, having presented his work at international conferences and training sessions. His presentations cover topics such as:
- Animal Welfare at Slaughter: Addressing ethical concerns and improving practices in Halal slaughterhouses.
- Halal Certification and Market Opportunities: Understanding the global demand for Halal-certified meat and how producers can meet market expectations.
- Consumer Behavior in the Halal Sector: Evaluating how cultural and religious beliefs shape consumer choices in Halal meat markets.
Future Contributions and Vision
Dr. Awal Fuseini continues to push for higher standards in Halal meat production by combining his academic research, industry expertise, and regulatory knowledge. His vision is to create a more transparent, ethical, and globally competitive Halal meat industry that not only meets consumer expectations but also upholds the highest standards of animal welfare.
Through his ongoing research and consultancy work, Dr Awal Fuseini aims to support the global expansion of Halal-certified British beef and lamb, while continuing to collaborate with key stakeholders to enhance the understanding and implementation of Halal standards across the industry.