The Halal Catering Argentina (THCA)
The Halal Catering Argentina (THCA) is a halal certification body in Argentina that holds recognition from JAKIM, Malaysia's Department of Islamic Development and the most influential authority in the global halal industry.
Source: JAKIM's official recognition list, gazetted under the Trade Descriptions (Certification and Marking of Halal) Order 2011, as at 30 January 2026.
| Country | Argentina |
|---|---|
| Address | Mercedes 3801, 1419 Buenos Aires Argentina |
| Contact person | Mr. Gustavo Emesto Khalil (President) |
| Telephone | +541139748437 +5491155256080 |
| thca@halalcertificationarg.com | |
| Recognition | JAKIM (gazetted, as at 30 January 2026) |
| Certifies | slaughterhouses and meat production, food and beverages, dairy products, animal feed, cosmetics and chemical products, packaging materials, airline catering and hospitality services |
| Standards | MS 1500, GSO 993, MUIS-HC-S001, THS 1435, SNI 99001 |
| Also recognised by | MUIS (Islamic Religious Council of Singapore) |
| Memberships | World Halal Council (since 2021) |
Dual recognition: THCA is also listed on MUIS Singapore's Recognised Foreign Halal Certification Bodies list, valid to 2029-03-08.
About THCA
The Halal Catering Argentina, known as THCA and also styled The Halal Catering Argentina HCB, is a family run halal certification body headquartered in Buenos Aires. It traces its origins to Kabalan Khalil, a Lebanese immigrant who worked as an Arabic interpreter for Arab diplomats in Argentina and began certifying halal slaughter of poultry, beef, lamb, and goat roughly six decades ago. The current name was adopted when the second generation started certifying airline catering services, and the body is now directed by Gustavo Ernesto Khalil together with the third generation of the family, including co-director Melody Amal Khalil Kabalan.
THCA certifies processing plants, slaughterhouses, products, and services for exporters shipping to Muslim majority markets. Its portfolio spans beef, poultry, Patagonian lamb, dairy, edible oils, citrus fruit, animal feed, cosmetics, chemical products, packaging materials, and hospitality services. A 2022 report in La Nacion described it as one of two halal certifiers operating in Argentina, then serving around 200 companies, and noted that ahead of the Qatar World Cup it certified 20 beef, 15 Patagonian lamb, and 28 poultry shipments.
Its certification scheme requires clients to implement a Halal Assurance System, covering a halal policy, an internal halal committee, critical point management, supplier validation, and registered Muslim auditors. The scheme integrates requirements of destination markets, including GSO standards for the Gulf, Malaysian MS standards such as MS 1500, Singapore MUIS standards, Thai THS and Moroccan NM norms, and Indonesian SNI requirements. THCA reports that MUIS in Singapore renewed its recognition in March 2026, and the World Halal Council lists it as a member admitted in September 2021.
Frequently asked questions
Is THCA recognised by JAKIM?
Yes. The Halal Catering Argentina (THCA) appears on JAKIM's official recognition list of international halal certification bodies, gazetted under Malaysia's Trade Descriptions (Certification and Marking of Halal) Order 2011, as at 30 January 2026.
What does JAKIM recognition mean for THCA?
JAKIM (Department of Islamic Development Malaysia) is widely regarded as the industry's most influential halal authority. Its recognition means halal certificates issued by THCA are accepted for products entering Malaysia, and it serves as a strong third-party credibility signal in the global halal trade.
Where is THCA based?
The Halal Catering Argentina (THCA) is based in Argentina at Mercedes 3801, 1419 Buenos Aires Argentina.
Is THCA recognised outside Malaysia?
Yes. Besides JAKIM, The Halal Catering Argentina (THCA) appears on MUIS Singapore's Recognised Foreign Halal Certification Bodies list (valid to 2029-03-08), so its halal certificates are also accepted for the Singapore market. Recognition by two national authorities is a strong dual-market credibility signal for exporters.
Who owns and runs The Halal Catering Argentina?
It is a family business that traces its origins to Kabalan Khalil, a Lebanese immigrant to Argentina who began certifying halal slaughter of poultry, beef, lamb, and goat. Gustavo Ernesto Khalil serves as director, and the third generation of the family, including co-director Melody Amal Khalil Kabalan, works in the organization.
Which halal standards does THCA certify against?
Its scheme integrates the requirements of destination markets, including GSO standards for Gulf states, Malaysian MS standards such as MS 1500 and the MS 2400 series, Singapore MUIS standards including MUIS-HC-S001, Thai THS 1435 standards, Moroccan NM norms, and Indonesian SNI 99001 to 99004. Certified companies must also implement a Halal Assurance System.
What role did THCA play in supplying the Qatar 2022 World Cup?
According to a 2022 report in La Nacion, the body certified Argentine shipments to Qatar ahead of the tournament, including 20 beef shipments, 15 Patagonian lamb shipments, and 28 poultry shipments.
Related halal certification bodies
Sectors THCA certifies
THCA's recognised scope covers these sectors. Compare every JAKIM-recognised body certifying the same category: