Halal foods will be put under the microscope after Liberal senator Cory Bernardi won a parliamentary inquiry into what he calls the "racket" of certification.

The six-month inquiry by the Senate Economics References Committee will also cover certification schemes for kosher foods, organic products and genetically modified foods.

Halal food certification will be examined in the inquiry. Credit:Justin McManus

Senator Bernardi, who has in the past expressed concern about where money for halal "ends up", said he wants to "establish the facts" about all certification schemes.

The South Australian Liberal knows all too well that it can be impossible to avoid halal food in certain situations.