PressKit 2012

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2011 Press Releases


-IFANCA: Company Profile      View     Download Pdf 
-IFANCA: Biography Profiles    View    Download Pdf 

2012 Press Releases  

-October 2-3, 2012: IFANCA® Presenting on the “The Halal Economy” at 2012 Food Export Marketing Forum View Download Pdf 
-Sept. 11-17, 2012: IFANCA® at 2012 China (Ningxia) International Investment and Trade Fair & the 3rd China-Arab States Economic and Trade Forum View Download Pdf 
-Sept. 13th, 2012: Islamic Da’wah Council of the Philippines (IDCP) View Download Pdf 
-September 2012: IFANCA® Signs Memorandum of Understanding with Penta Global to Promote Halal in South Korea View Download Pdf 
-Sept. 4 – 6, 2012: IFANCA®  Presenting at Content Marketing World, Columbus, Ohio View Download Pdf 
-August 31- Sept 3, 2012 IFANCA®  Sheds Light On Animal Welfare in Islam & Current Industry Perspectives at 49th Annual ISNA Convention View Download Pdf 
-July 14, 2012: IFANCA® Presenting “Halal: The Revenue, Retention and Recruitment Revolution” at (NACUFS) View Download Pdf 
-July 4, 2012: IFANCA® at World Halal Food Council View Download Pdf 
-July 3, 2012: NCMF, IFANCA, SAHL International Sign Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) View Download Pdf 
-June 28, 2012: IFANCA® to Discuss Challenges and Opportunities for Halal Foods in the Global Market View Download Pdf 
-June 20-24th, 2012: IFANCA ® Discusses Ethics of Religious Slaughter View Download Pdf 
-June 5th, 2012: Muslim Community Adopts Obama’s ‘Let’s Move’ Campaign Goals View Download Pdf 
-June 04th-05th 2012: IFANCA® Co-Hosts Training Workshop on Halal Food Management View Download Pdf 
-March 11, 2012: IFANCA® Presenting on Halal Seafood Opportunities   View Download Pdf 
-March 22, 2012: IFANCA® Shares Halal Recipe Development Case-Studies View Download Pdf
-March 23, 2012: 5th International Halal Food Conference  View Download Pdf 
-March 28, 2012: IFANCA® Speaks on Halal Product Development   View Download Pdf 
-April 14, 2012: IFANCA® Co-Sponsors Chicago Conference for Somalia  View Download Pdf


IFANCA Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America

Company Profile

 

About IFANCA

The Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America (IFANCA), is one of the world’s leading halal- certification organizations. Established in 1982, this not-for-profit organization has been dedicated to the promotion of halal, and to providing information and education to halal consumers, and other seekers of halal information. IFANCA has evolved into one the most respected, technical and professional halal-certification organization recognized worldwide.


What does IFANCA do?

IFANCA’s team of scientists and Islamic Scholars constitute the IFANCA Board of Directors. IFANCA’s certification program is respected by food and pharmaceutical industry professionals worldwide. As a testament of this confidence, majority of all pharmaceutical halal certification in the United States is conducted by IFANCA.

Today, IFANCA certifies over 2200 companies across the globe, with over 23,000 products and ingredients. Ranging from food products to non-food products, IFANCA-certified products cover categories such as meat and poultry, processed foods, prepared meals, frozen food, food ingredients, pharmaceuticals, vaccines, cosmetics, skin care products, and even packaging materials.

IFANCA is known for its halal consultation and educational materials to government agencies; for developing halal MRE’s for military and displaced populations; for creating halal kitchen guidelines for hospital food service, school cafeterias and correctional institutions. IFANCA also publishes and distributes information, both in print and on the internet. Publications include “Islamic Dietary Laws and Concepts”, Elementary Book on Halal and Haraam, and Industrial Halal Food Publication Manual. IFANCA also publishes a bi-annual Halal Consumer Magazine, and a monthly electronic newsletter called the Halal Digest. Both of these resources are digitally uploaded and maintained on IFANCA’s informative website, www.ifanca.org.

IFANCA organizes halal information workshops, education seminars, and discussions with Islamic Community Centers to inform Muslims about halal food and personal care products. They also conduct similar halal information workshops for industry client’s employees at their production sites, to further disseminate knowledge on halal production requirements.


IFANCA’s ‘Crescent-M’ Certification Symbol

IFANCA’s Crescent-M symbol is an internationally recognized symbol for halal certification. Muslims around the world accept IFANCA’s Crescent-M symbol on products, knowing that IFANCA-certified products are truly halal, and their halal certification standards are the best in their class. At the same time, food companies, food marketers, and exporters get the satisfaction that their products will not be rejected in the target countries.

IFANCA is recognized by the governmental halal-regulating bodies in Malaysia, Indonesia, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Singapore. These religious bodies monitor halal regulations in their nations, and they all endorse IFANCA’s halal-certification program.


IFANCA’s Role in the Global Halal Certification Industry

In order to promote halal, IFANCA performs a leading role as a bridge between the food industry and halal consumers. To achieve this, IFANCA has since its inception successfully sponsored 12 international halal food conferences, both in the US and in other countries. The most recent international halal food conference was held in Brussels in March 2010, and focused on the theme of establishing halal quality assurance standards. These conferences provide education and information for industry participants interested in halal certification, as well as to members of academia and representatives of the major government regulating bodies.

IFANCA has consistently promoted halal for nearly 3 decades, and is often reached out by members of the press to provide insight into national and global halal certification issues. Featured in various media such as The Wall Street Journal, Prepared Foods, Poultry Magazine, and CNN; IFANCA was also presented “Best Halal Related Service Provider” Award by Halal Journal at the World Halal Forum in 2007.


IFANCA’s Corporate Social Responsibility

IFANCA gives back to the community by supporting Sabeel Food Pantry, an organization it helped to found. Some programs include an Annual Turkey Drive to deliver turkeys to deserving students and families in Chicago.

IFANCA, in collaboration with Management and Science University (MSU), Malaysia, offers educational scholarships to deserving students for research work. Projects include research and surveys on halal meals for schools and institutional catering, specifically for the Malaysian food industry.


IFANCA Key Facts

  • IFANCA is headquartered in Chicago, IL and maintains offices in California and Toronto, Canada.
  • IFANCA certifies halal food production in over 55 countries around the globe.
  • IFANCA-certified halal products are sold in nearly every country of the world.
  • IFANCA certifies halal products in all food industries.
  • IFANCA provides halal certification and supervision services for meat and poultry slaughter.
  • IFANCA certifies halal cosmetics, packaging materials, and chemicals.
  • IFANCA Halal Certification is accepted by all Muslim countries and halal importing regions.


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IFANCA Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America

Biography Profiles

 

Dr. Muhammad Munir Chaudry

Dr. Muhammad Munir Chaudry is a Founding Board Member and President of the Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America (IFANCA®), an internationally respected not-for-profit halal- certification organization. Featured in various media such as The Wall Street Journal, Prepared Foods, and CNN, Dr. Chaudry is a pioneer in the field. Under his guidance, IFANCA has become a world leader in halal certification, with more than 22,000 certified products for 2,200 companies. Clients include industry leaders such as Nestle, PepsiCo, Abbott Nutrition, Mead Johnson, Firmenich and Hershey International, in industries as diverse as flavors and pharmaceuticals. IFANCA halal certified products are sold in every nation. Besides IFANCA, Dr. Chaudry is a food industry veteran with expertise in various technical and management positions. Here he has been responsible for quality assurance, human resources and employee training. He is the author of several papers and co-author of Halal Food Production, the single most widely used text on halal certification. He is a member of the Institute of Food Technologists and an expert consultant to the World Organization for Animal Health. A delegate for the UN International Trade Center and the American Spice Trade Association, he has conducted food safety workshops internationally. He has his PhD from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana in Food Science.

Dr. Muhamed Sadek
Dr. Mohamed Sadek is an accomplished professional with a background in Food Science, Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry. In 1966, he served in Malaysia’s Veterinary Services Department as a Veterinary Officer/Doctor. In 1970, he proceeded to U.K. for postgraduate studies and graduated with Master’s and Doctorate degrees in Food Science. Upon returning to Malaysia, he joined the Mara Institute of Technology at Shah Alam as Head of Food Technology Department in 1974. From 1982 to 1998, he served as Technical member of Malaysia’s Halal/Haram Committee. He assisted Malaysia’s Religious Affairs Department (JAKIM) from 1992 until 1998; a position which led him to conduct halal audits in Europe, South America and the U.S.A. During this time, he was actively assisting the Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America (IFANCA®) with his expertise in halal certification, audits, and conferences. Dr. Sadek was appointed as IFANCA’s Director of International Affairs in 1996. In 1999, he was appointed as Vice President of the World Halal Food Council; while later serving in the Secretary General position of the organization from 2004 to 2006. Dr. Sadek is also visiting professor of Food and Nutrition at the Management and Science University (MSU) in Malaysia. From 2002 onwards he is Chairman of Islamic Food Council of Europe (IFCE), as well as Vice President at IFANCA since 2004.

Dr. Ahmed Sakr
Dr. Ahmad Sakr’s career consists of being an educator, field worker, scout leader, public speaker and an Islamic Scholar. Dr. Sakr has been affiliated with Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America (IFANCA®) since its inception and he is a member of IFANCA’s Board of Directors. He spent a large part of his life teaching Food and Nutrition in American Universities and was selected as an Outstanding Educator of America in 1973. Dr. Sakr was educated at the American University of Beirut and the University of Illinois where he received his doctorate in Food Science and Nutrition. He also received his theological training from the late Grand Mufti of Lebanon and from several other notable Muslim Scholars. He served as Director of the Islamic Center of Beirut. During his student years in the US, he co- founded the Muslim Students’ Association in North America in which he led for some time. This organization later formed the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA); one of today’s most prominent Muslim organizations in North America. Dr. Sakr is a founding member of the World Council of Mosques headquartered in Mecca, as well as the first director and representative of the Muslim World League to the U.N. Featured in ABC’s “Nightline”, as well as the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), Dr. Sakr is known for discussing global Islamic issues on Islam, food, health, behavior, terrorism, and fundamentalism. Currently, he is the President of the Foundation for Islamic Knowledge; Director of the Islamic Education Center in Walnut, California; Member of Operation Safe Community; and member of the Walnut Interfaith Council in California. At last count, he has written over 65 books (in English and Arabic) and booklets, not counting the innumerable articles he has authored. Dr. Sakr's approach is to build a bridge of understanding thru commonalities with Muslims and non-Muslims alike. He recently visited the Vatican in Rome, Italy, where he participated in interfaith dialogue with Bishops, Cardinals and the Pope.

Dr. Syed Jaafar Al-Quaderi
Dr. Syed Jaafar Al-Quaderi has been Religious Advisor to Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America (IFANCA®) since 1982. Dr. Quaderi is a graduate of Nizamia University, Hyderabad, India, and a recipient of Doctoral degree from Al-Azhar University, Egypt in 1970. His PhD researched the Resolutions and Permissions in Islam at the Faculty of Shariah and Law, in USUL al-Fiqh. His command of Arabic language is outstanding, evidenced by his 11 years as a Radio Cairo Announcer. Concurrently, he taught Arabic at the American University, Cairo, and also conducted classes at the Indian Embassy in Cairo. Dr. Quaderi also worked at the Osmania University in India as an editor of Arabic manuscripts of historic significance. After moving to the USA in 1980, Dr. Quaderi taught Arabic at Chicago’s North-Eastern University, and American Islamic College for 6 years. Since 1986, he has been teaching Arabic, Islamic Studies, as well as leading congregations in two of Chicago area’s Islamic Centers. Dr. Quaderi is well-versed in comparative knowledge of Islamic schools of thought. His command of languages is excellent; especially in Arabic, Urdu and English.

Dr. Javed Rashid
Dr. Javed has 26 years of experience in Quality Control, Quality Assurance, and Product Development in South Asia, Middle East, Far East, United Kingdom and the United States. He has 20 years of experience in auditing of food processing and packaging operations in various countries. He has affiliated with IFANCA® for the past 15 years, and provides guidance in plant inspection related matters as a Director of Halal Audit for food, cosmetic, pharmaceutical and non-food manufacturing industries. Presently, Dr. Javed is Vice President of Technical Services in a liquid condiments, sauces and salad dressings manufacturing company in North Carolina, USA. He serves as a Resident Practitioner of SQF 2000 Global Food Safety Initiative. During his career, Dr. Rashid also received food production and quality assurance related training from Brabender Food Testing Training Center, Germany and American Institute of Baking, USA. Dr. Javed Rashid obtained his Master’s degree in Nutrition from the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan; as well as a Master’s degree in Food Science from the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, United Kingdom. He received his Ph.D. in Cereal Science from Kansas State University, Manhattan, USA. He holds Certified HACCP audit certification from American Society for Quality, as well as GMA-SAFE auditor status to assess food ingredients and finished product suppliers for food excellence. He is a Professional Member of the Institute of Food Technologists and Senior Member of American Society for Quality/Food Drug and Cosmetics Division.

Dr. Sabir Ali
Dr. Sabir Ali is a Food Scientist with over 25 years of Food Industry experience in Quality Assurance, Product Development and Manufacturing. He is senior food inspector, and member of Technical Committee, at Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America (IFANCA®) since 1999. Previously, he was Director of Technical Services at Canadian Wise Foods Inc., and North American Tea & Coffee Inc., Canada. Dr. Ali has also spent several years at Cargill Foods, Canada; Mitchells Fruit Farms, Pakistan; and CPC International, Pakistan, managing Production and Quality Assurance. Author of several Microbiology related publications and Food Technology Workshops, Dr. Ali is also a member of Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), Institute of Packaging Professionals, and Canadian Institute of Food Science and Technology.

Dr. Mujahid Masood
Dr. Mujahid Masood has over 25 years of research and specialized professional experience in Poultry Processing. As senior auditor at Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America (IFANCA®) for the past 10 years, Dr. Masood oversees halal audits at production sites throughout North America. Using his specialization in poultry product flavor chemistry, poultry food safety, processing, distribution and utilization of poultry and egg, Dr. Masood supervises entire procedure and process of food production. The scope of this review includes monitoring equipment, cleanliness, sanitation, contamination, packaging, labeling, storage and even transportation. Dr. Masood also identifies and solves specific communication problems using halal technical presentations to educate the food industry. Dr. Masood’s illustrious career includes overseas teaching positions at the National Institute of Food Science and Technology, University of Agriculture; and Assistant Research Officer and Food Scientist at Ayub Agricultural Research Institute in Pakistan. He has authored and collaborated in several articles and papers in published in Poultry Science, Pakistan Journal of Medical Research, Journal of Food Processing and Preservation, as well as IFANCA’s own globally distributed Halal Digest. Dr. Masood holds special training in HACCP, and holds Food Science BSc. (Hons.) and MSc. (Hons.) from Pakistan’s University of Agriculture; and his Ph.D. in Food Science and Technology from Mississippi State University.

Dr. Farhat Quadri
Dr. Farhat Quadri is the Director of Community Services to Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America (IFANCA®) since 2009. Besides serving as a liaison to all Civic Organizations, as well as Islamic Community Centers, Dr. Quadri conducts educational seminars and workshops on halal. He also responds to various queries from Muslim inmates and correctional institute authorities about halal food and the establishment of halal kitchens in prisons. Dr. Quadri’s career has dealt with laboratory sciences for over 30 years. Dr. Quadri holds a B.Sc. from India’s Marathwada University in Agricultural Sciences, as well as M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Food Sciences and Nutrition from Kansas State University. From 1975 to 2008, Dr. Quadri served as director/manager of Radiochemistry and Endocrinology Laboratories in three major hospitals in the Chicago area: Lutheran General, Michael Reese, and Cook County Hospital. Dr. Quadri has collaborated and contributed research to numerous publications, including: The Journal of Nuclear Medicine; Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention; American Journal of Clinical Oncology; Clinical Chemistry; Journal of the International Medical Association; International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology and Physics; and Nuclear Medicine: Principles and Practice

Mr. Roger Othman
Roger M. Othman holds Bachelors of Science Degrees in Aerospace and Chemical Engineering from the University of Michigan. He has spent much of his career in the oil industry in domestic and foreign assignments in process operations; technical services; total quality management and economic and strategic planning. Mr. Othman has served on the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee of the Mosque Foundation and the Board of Directors of IFANCA®. Mr. Othman has been very involved with IFANCA. He served as the first Managing Director of IFANCA, and helped establish the procedures and systems that helped evolve IFANCA into the organization it is today. In the area of publications, he served as the editor of the Islamic Perspectives newsletter; creator and editor of the Halal Consumerc magazine and the Halal Digestc webzine, and has contributed numerous articles to each publication. In the area of halal certification, he has conducted halal inspections of client facilities and supervised the production of halal certified products. Mr. Othman has been a presenter at several halal food conferences, including IFANCA Halal Food Conferences and the 2001 Halal Food Conference in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Mr. Othman continues to guide IFANCA’s long-term vision, and currently serves as the IFANCA Webmaster.


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IFANCA Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America
Contact: Naazish YarKhan
  (847) 696-7126 
  n.yarkhan@ifanca.org

IFANCA® Presenting on the “The Halal Economy” at 2012 Food Export
Marketing Forum, Hosted by Food Export Association of the Midwest
USA and Food Export USA-Northeast

 

(October 2-3, 2012 - Chicago)- The 2012 Food Export Marketing Forum, presented by Food Export Association of the Midwest USA and Food Export USA-Northeast, will bring together over 150 participants representing food and agricultural companies across the Midwest and Northeast United States. Asma Ahad, Director, Market Development, IFANCA and Walter Westerveld, a buyer from Engel Foreign Food of BV-Netherlands will be on a panel entitled “The Halal Economy” during the Marketing Forum. This session will take place on Wednesday October 3 from 2:30-3:15 at the InterContinental Hotel in the Empire Room. One fifth of the world’s population across nearly 150 countries now has developed a preference for halal foods creating new opportunities for U.S. products. In this session attendees will: Understand the differences between halal and non-halal foods, learn how to establish certification and the labeling requirements for food products, determine the most promising markets and products within the halal industry and understand the importance of Malaysia as a “Halal Hub.” Attendees will include qualified international buyers interested in U.S. products, representing nearly 25 markets. U.S. suppliers will also have the opportunity to present their products to international buyers. The Forum provides a great educational and promotional opportunity for companies to learn, network and get their products and information in front of international buyers.


IFANCA®:

Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America (IFANCA ®) is one of the world's leading and well-respected not-for-profit halal certification organizations. Featured in various media such as The Wall Street Journal, Prepared Foods, CNBC and CNN, IFANCA® has been promoting halal since 1982. IFANCA® was recognized in the “Best Halal Related Service Provider Award” by the Halal Journal at World Halal Forum 2007. IFANCA® certified halal products are recognized by Indonesia (MUI), Malaysia (JAKIM), Singapore (MUIS), United Arab Emirates (GSM), and are sold in nearly every country of the world. IFANCA's halal certification expertise covers all food industry categories.For more information about IFANCA®, visit www.ifanca.org


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IFANCA Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America
Contact: Naazish YarKhan
  (847) 696-7126 
  n.yarkhan@ifanca.org

IFANCA® at 2012 China (Ningxia) International Investment and Trade Fair & the 3rd
China-Arab States Economic and Trade Forum

 

(Sept. 11-17, 2012 - Yinchuan Ningxia, China )- Dr. Sabir Ali, Plant Auditor, IFANCA, recently spoke at the 2012 China (Ningxia) International Investment and Trade Fair & the 3rd China-Arab States Economic and Trade Forum organized by the Chinese Provincial Govt. His presentation covered details that defined halal and provided requirements for halal certification. Besides discussing technical details related to food science, he also shared information on food safety requirements and market opportunities for halal certified products. “The interest in the subject and attendance by representatives of such varied nations was indicative of the reach halal has globally. Halal truly is a global business phenomenon,” said Dr. Ali. Other speakers represented China’s Central and Provincial Government, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Australia and Taiwan.


IFANCA®:

Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America (IFANCA ®) is one of the world's leading and well-respected not-for-profit halal certification organizations. Featured in various media such as The Wall Street Journal, Prepared Foods, CNBC and CNN, IFANCA® has been promoting halal since 1982. IFANCA® was recognized in the “Best Halal Related Service Provider Award” by the Halal Journal at World Halal Forum 2007. IFANCA® certified halal products are recognized by Indonesia (MUI), Malaysia (JAKIM), Singapore (MUIS), United Arab Emirates (GSM), and are sold in nearly every country of the world. IFANCA's halal certification expertise covers all food industry categories.For more information about IFANCA®, visit www.ifanca.org


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IFANCA Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America
Contact: Naazish YarKhan
  (847) 696-7126 
  n.yarkhan@ifanca.org

Islamic Da’wah Council of the Philippines (IDCP) Delisted by JAKIM

 

(13th September, 2012) - Philippines - The Malaysian Department of Islamic Development (JAKIM) has delisted Islamic Da’wah Council of the Philippines (IDCP) from their list of Foreign Recognized Halal Certifying Bodies, as of May 2012. The IDCP halal logos currently appear on Ribena, Kelloggs products and select Nestle products made in the Philippines. JAKIM has confirmed that the Philippines government had never accredited IDCP as a halal certifier. The National Commission for Muslim Filipinos (NCMF), established by the Philippines government, regulates the country’s halal industry. It is responsible for accrediting credible non-governmental, non-profit organizations to issue halal certificates in Philippines.


IFANCA®:

Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America (IFANCA ®) is one of the world's leading and well-respected not-for-profit halal certification organizations. Featured in various media such as The Wall Street Journal, Prepared Foods, CNBC and CNN, IFANCA® has been promoting halal since 1982. IFANCA® was recognized in the “Best Halal Related Service Provider Award” by the Halal Journal at World Halal Forum 2007. IFANCA® certified halal products are recognized by Indonesia (MUI), Malaysia (JAKIM), Singapore (MUIS), United Arab Emirates (GSM), and are sold in nearly every country of the world. IFANCA's halal certification expertise covers all food industry categories.For more information about IFANCA®, visit www.ifanca.org


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IFANCA Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America
Contact: Naazish YarKhan
  (847) 696-7126 
  n.yarkhan@ifanca.org

IFANCA®Signs Memorandum of Understanding with Penta Global to Promote Halal in South Korea

 

(September 2012) - As of September 2012, Penta Global will be the exclusive representative for IFANCA in South Korea and shall act as a liaison between local companies and IFANCA headquarters. “IFANCA will take halal certification referrals exclusively from Penta Global South Korea for the duration of the relationship and we look forward to a mutually successful partnership,” said IFANCA President, Dr. Muhammad Munir Chaudry.


IFANCA®:

Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America (IFANCA ®) is one of the world's leading and well-respected not-for-profit halal certification organizations. Featured in various media such as The Wall Street Journal, Prepared Foods, CNBC and CNN, IFANCA® has been promoting halal since 1982. IFANCA® was recognized in the “Best Halal Related Service Provider Award” by the Halal Journal at World Halal Forum 2007. IFANCA® certified halal products are recognized by Indonesia (MUI), Malaysia (JAKIM), Singapore (MUIS), United Arab Emirates (GSM), and are sold in nearly every country of the world. IFANCA's halal certification expertise covers all food industry categories.For more information about IFANCA®, visit www.ifanca.org


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IFANCA Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America
Contact: Naazish YarKhan
  +1-630-915-8654 
  n.yarkhan@ifanca.org


IFANCA® Sheds Light On Animal Welfare in Islam & Current Industry Perspectives at 49th Annual ISNA Convention, August 31- Sept 3, 2012

 


 

( August 31- Sept 3, 2012, Washington, DC ) - Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America ( IFANCA) and Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) will be organizing a panel on Animal Welfare in Islam & Current Industry Perspectives at 49th Annual ISNA Convention, August 31- Sept 3, 2012. The ISNA convention will be held at 801 Mount Vernon Place NW. Washington, DC. The speakers will include representatives from the food industry, animal welfare organizations, halal certification agencies, academia and Islamic religious advisors from the Fiqh Council.

 

“From current cattle and poultry welfare standards to Islamic tenets on animal welfare, the panel is a great learning opportunity to clarify misconceptions and provide an in-depth, educated view of this very important topic,” said Dr. Muhammad M. Chaudry, President, IFANCA.

 

The presentation is open to all Convention goers. Day passes are also available for those interested specifically in this panel.

 

IFANCA will be at the bazaar at booth number 914 for the entire duration, to take questions from convention-goers. IFANCA halal certified Kontos Foods Inc. and Cabot Creamery Co-operative will be sponsoring promotions at the booth.

 

IFANCA®:

Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America (IFANCA®) is one of the world's leading and well-respected not-for-profit halal certification organizations. Featured in various media such as The Wall Street Journal, Prepared Foods, CNBC and CNN, IFANCA® has been promoting halal since 1982. IFANCA® was recognized in the “Best Halal Related Service Provider Award” by the Halal Journal at World Halal Forum 2007. IFANCA® certified halal products are recognized by Indonesia (MUI), Malaysia (JAKIM), Singapore (MUIS), United Arab Emirates (GSM), and are sold in nearly every country of the world. IFANCA's halal certification expertise covers all food industry categories. For more information about IFANCA®, visit www.ifanca.org 

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IFANCA Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America
Contact: Naazish YarKhan
  +1-630-915-8654 
  n.yarkhan@ifanca.org

IFANCA® Presenting at Content Marketing World, Sept 4 – 6, 2012 Columbus, Ohio

 

(Sept 4 – 6, 2012 Columbus, Ohio )- Earlier this year, IFANCA re-launched its flagship publication, Halal Consumer magazine. Formerly B2B2C, the magazine has been reinvented as a digital ‘flip’ consumer magazine, and adopts a “mashup” approach combining videos, text, photos and slide shows. Halal Consumer magazine #22 Fall 2012, will also feature 30 second video interviews with the magazine’s writers, embedded in their respective articles. The only publication of its kind, it continues to be available free as a print publication to 30,000 subscribers.   

 

Halal Consumer can be read at www.ifanca.org/magazine/halalmagazines/catalog. The digital version is at http://read.uberflip.com/issue/73981.

 

The magazine was re-branded so as to fully engage halal consumers and provide IFANCA halal certified companies with a platform to reach this coveted demographic. The halal food market in the USA alone is valued at $20 billion. Globally, halal consumers form a USD $ 2.1 Trillion market for products that range from food to personal care to finance.

 

Ms. YarKhan, IFANCA, Director Content Strategy who led the re-launch and re-branding initiative, will present on a panel titled “Content Discovery: Strategies and Tactics to Make Sure Your Content is Found” on September 6, 2012, at Content Marketing World at 3:00 pm. The Convention will take place at the Greater Columbus Convention Center, 400 N. High Street, in Columbus, OH. She will weigh in on how Halal Consumer magazine has successfully connected with a global audience, while furthering IFANCA’s organizational goals.

 

The magazine also engages readers worldwide via www.facebook.com/halalconsumer, sharing news of IFANCA clients’ doings, food trends, nutrition and wellness.

 

IFANCA®:

Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America (IFANCA ®) is one of the world's leading and well-respected not-for-profit halal certification organizations. Featured in various media such as The Wall Street Journal, Prepared Foods, CNBC and CNN, IFANCA® has been promoting halal since 1982. IFANCA® was recognized in the “Best Halal Related Service Provider Award” by the Halal Journal at World Halal Forum 2007. IFANCA® certified halal products are recognized by Indonesia (MUI), Malaysia (JAKIM), Singapore (MUIS), United Arab Emirates (GSM), and are sold in nearly every country of the world. IFANCA's halal certification expertise covers all food industry categories.For more information about IFANCA®, visit www.ifanca.org


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IFANCA Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America
Contact: Naazish YarKhan
  +1-630-915-8654 
  n.yarkhan@ifanca.org


IFANCA® Sheds Light On Animal Welfare in Islam & Current Industry Perspectives at 49th Annual ISNA Convention, August 31- Sept 3, 2012

 


 

( August 31- Sept 3, 2012, Washington, DC ) - Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America ( IFANCA) and Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) will be organizing a panel on Animal Welfare in Islam & Current Industry Perspectives at 49th Annual ISNA Convention, August 31- Sept 3, 2012. The ISNA convention will be held at 801 Mount Vernon Place NW. Washington, DC. The speakers will include representatives from the food industry, animal welfare organizations, halal certification agencies, academia and Islamic religious advisors from the Fiqh Council.

 

“From current cattle and poultry welfare standards to Islamic tenets on animal welfare, the panel is a great learning opportunity to clarify misconceptions and provide an in-depth, educated view of this very important topic,” said Dr. Muhammad M. Chaudry, President, IFANCA.

 

The presentation is open to all Convention goers. Day passes are also available for those interested specifically in this panel.

 

IFANCA will be at the bazaar at booth number 914 for the entire duration, to take questions from convention-goers. IFANCA halal certified Kontos Foods Inc. and Cabot Creamery Co-operative will be sponsoring promotions at the booth.

 

IFANCA®:

Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America (IFANCA®) is one of the world's leading and well-respected not-for-profit halal certification organizations. Featured in various media such as The Wall Street Journal, Prepared Foods, CNBC and CNN, IFANCA® has been promoting halal since 1982. IFANCA® was recognized in the “Best Halal Related Service Provider Award” by the Halal Journal at World Halal Forum 2007. IFANCA® certified halal products are recognized by Indonesia (MUI), Malaysia (JAKIM), Singapore (MUIS), United Arab Emirates (GSM), and are sold in nearly every country of the world. IFANCA's halal certification expertise covers all food industry categories. For more information about IFANCA®, visit www.ifanca.org 

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IFANCA Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America 
Contact: Naazish YarKhan
  (630) 915-8654
  n.yarkhan@ifanca.org

IFANCA®  Presenting “Halal: The Revenue, Retention and Recruitment Revolution” at the
National Association of College & University Food Services Conference (NACUFS), Boston, July 11-14.


(July 14, 2012 - Boston) Asma Ahad, IFANCA, Director of Halal Market Development is to speak at the National Association of College & University Food Services (NACUFS) conference on a panel titled, “ Halal: The Revenue, Retention and Recruitment Revolution”. Don Tymchuck, President, Med Diet Inc. and Richard Mason, Executive Director UChicago Dining, University of Chicago will also be on the panel.


Each year thousands of Muslim students attend US colleges, yet only a handful of campus dining services offer halal-friendly meal plans. IFANCA’s goals include making halal food more accessible on campus. Panelists will share practical information for implementing halal menus with minimal disruption to current operations. Other topics to be discussed include halal as a means to boosting meal revenues, increasing student satisfaction and elevating schools’ dining services reputation. 

IFANCA’s flagship publication, Halal Consumer magazine in its Spring 2012 issue covers how UChicago approached halal dining at http://bit.ly/UCHalal

Follow the conversation at www.twitter.com/ifanca @ifanca with these hashtags: #halal #NACUFS2012.


IFANCA®:

Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America (IFANCA®) is one of the world's leading and well-respected not-for-profit halal certification organizations. Featured in various media such as The Wall Street Journal, Prepared Foods, CNBC and CNN, IFANCA® has been promoting halal since 1982. IFANCA® was recognized in the “Best Halal Related Service Provider Award” by the Halal Journal at World Halal Forum 2007. IFANCA® certified halal products are recognized by Indonesia (MUI), Malaysia (JAKIM), Singapore (MUIS), United Arab Emirates (GSM), and are sold in nearly every country of the world. IFANCA's halal certification expertise covers all food industry categories. For more information about IFANCA®, visit www.ifanca.org 
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IFANCA Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America 
Contact: Naazish YarKhan
  (630) 915-8654
  n.yarkhan@ifanca.org

IFANCA® at World Halal Food Council


(July 4th-6th 2012, Jakarta, Indonesia) Dr. Muhammad M. Chaudry, President of IFANCA and Chairman of the World Halal Food Council and Mr. Rachid Belbachir, Marketing Director, MENA Region, IFANCA and Zeshan Sadek, Director, Halal Food Council of Europe ( HCFE) represented IFANCA at the World Halal Food Council. Experts from the food science industry and the field of Islamic jurisprudence convened to discuss the potential for the standardization of global halal guidelines.


“Recognizing that Muslim majorities in various nations differ in terms of the four schools of Islamic jurisprudence they follow, the Council concluded that while no one standard can be applied to every nation, the standards espoused by The Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura (MUIS) would serve as the baseline, as far as possible,” said Mr. Belbachir. For instance, cochineal extract is considered halal in all but one school of Islamic jurisprudence. Nations where the majority population follow that school of jurisprudence would not accept imports with cochineal extract as halal.  

Other matters discussed at the meeting included determining criteria for membership to the Council; establishing processes (and qualifications necessary) to issue fatwa’s or rulings about halal; and Istijah or the transformation of the intrinsic status of materials from non-halal to halal.


IFANCA®:

Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America (IFANCA®) is one of the world's leading and well-respected not-for-profit halal certification organizations. Featured in various media such as The Wall Street Journal, Prepared Foods, CNBC and CNN, IFANCA® has been promoting halal since 1982. IFANCA® was recognized in the “Best Halal Related Service Provider Award” by the Halal Journal at World Halal Forum 2007. IFANCA® certified halal products are recognized by Indonesia (MUI), Malaysia (JAKIM), Singapore (MUIS), United Arab Emirates (GSM), and are sold in nearly every country of the world. IFANCA's halal certification expertise covers all food industry categories. For more information about IFANCA®, visit www.ifanca.org 
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IFANCA Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America 
Contact: Naazish YarKhan
  (630) 915-8654
  n.yarkhan@ifanca.org

NCMF, IFANCA, SAHL International Sign Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)


(July 3, 2012, Quezon City, Philippines) The National Commission for Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) signed a memorandum of understanding with the Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America (IFANCA) and SAHL International Pte. Ltd. of Singapore to further promote the halal industry in the Philippines. NCMF Secretary Mehol K. Sadain, Dr. Muhammad M. Chaudry, President of IFANCA and Shahlan Hairalah of SAHL International were the signatories.


“The partnership will open doors to collaboration and will further boost activity in the halal industry in the Philippines. We welcome this opportunity and look forward to working together,” said Dr. Chaudry.  


IFANCA®:

Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America (IFANCA®) is one of the world's leading and well-respected not-for-profit halal certification organizations. Featured in various media such as The Wall Street Journal, Prepared Foods, CNBC and CNN, IFANCA® has been promoting halal since 1982. IFANCA® was recognized in the “Best Halal Related Service Provider Award” by the Halal Journal at World Halal Forum 2007. IFANCA® certified halal products are recognized by Indonesia (MUI), Malaysia (JAKIM), Singapore (MUIS), United Arab Emirates (GSM), and are sold in nearly every country of the world. IFANCA's halal certification expertise covers all food industry categories. For more information about IFANCA®, visit www.ifanca.org 
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IFANCA Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America 

 

Contact: Naazish YarKhan
  +1-773-283-3708
  n.yarkhan@ifanca.org

IFANCA® to Discuss Challenges and Opportunities for Halal Foods in the Global Market at IFT Annual Meeting and Food Expo, Las Vegas Session #256, Booth # 225, June 25-28


(June 28, 2012) As part of the four-day-long IFT Annual Meeting and Food Expo, Las Vegas, Dr. Chaudry, President, IFANCA, Dr. Salam A. Ibrahim, Research Professor of Food Sciences, North Carolina A & T State University, Dr. Angela M. Fraser, Associate Professor/Food Safety Education Specialist at Clemson University and Dr. Mian Riaz, Director, Food Protein R&D Center at Texas A&M University will speak on a panel about how companies could address the needs of consumers who observe religious halal and kosher dietary laws in the Islamic and Jewish faiths, respectively. Food Scientist, Dr. Joe M. Regenstein is the keynote speaker. IFANCA staff will also be at booth #225 through the expo to answer questions about halal certification.

The presentations will cover challenges facing the food industry with regard to meeting the demand for such products in multinational global markets. “Besides business possibilities in the export market, audiences will also learn that there is a vibrant minority American Muslim or European Muslim community, as the case may be, that need halal products. These are lucrative yet ‘barely tapped’ markets,” said Dr. Ibrahim.

Dr. Chaudry will present why there is a need to certify products as halal and procedures for getting halal certification. Dr. Riaz will specifically discuss halal supplements. “The Islamic and Jewish traditions both permit the consumption of religiously questionable ingredients as a medicine for life-threatening diseases where no other cure is available. However, consumers may not want to knowingly consume multivitamins and other supplements that have ingredients that are doubtful, according to the rules of their faith. For instance, halal consumers hesitate when it comes to gelatin capsules,” said Dr. Riaz. “That is one of the reasons halal certification, especially in the pharmaceutical industry, is so important.” The session is under the Public Policy, Food Laws & Regulations and Product Development & Ingredient Innovations.

IFANCA®:

Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America (IFANCA®) is one of the world's leading and well-respected not-for-profit halal certification organizations. Featured in various media such as The Wall Street Journal, Prepared Foods, CNBC and CNN, IFANCA® has been promoting halal since 1982. IFANCA® was recognized in the “Best Halal Related Service Provider Award” by the Halal Journal at World Halal Forum 2007. IFANCA® certified halal products are recognized by Indonesia (MUI), Malaysia (JAKIM), Singapore (MUIS), United Arab Emirates (GSM), and are sold in nearly every country of the world. IFANCA's halal certification expertise covers all food industry categories. For more information about IFANCA®, visit www.ifanca.org 
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IFANCA Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America  

Contact: Naazish YarKhan
  +1-773-283-3708
  n.yarkhan@ifanca.org

IFANCA ® Discusses Ethics of Religious Slaughter at ‘Global Gateways and Local Connections: Cities, Agriculture, and the Future of Food Systems Conference’,
New York University, NY


(June 20, 2012 – June 24th, 2012) New York University, NYC will be hosting a conference titled ‘Global Gateways and Local Connections: Cities, Agriculture, and the Future of Food Systems’, from June 20, 2012 – June 24th, 2012. Dr. Muhammad M. Chaudry, President, IFANCA will address the ethical debates that surround halal slaughter on a panel titled ‘"The Ethics of Religious Slaughter: Historical, Scientific, and Religious Perspectives on Kosher and Halal Slaughter”.

“Islamic slaughter practices involve making a swift, deep incision with a sharp knife on the neck, cutting the jugular veins and carotid arteries of both sides together with the trachea and esophagus but leaving the spinal cord intact, resulting in the thorough removal of blood from the carcass,” says Dr. Chaudry.

In a multi-disciplinary approach to enhance an understanding of the issue, other panelists will include food historian Roger Horowitz, who will discuss efforts to ban traditional Jewish slaughter in the U.S.; food scientist Joe Regenstein will explore the scientific analysis of kosher slaughter and religious studies professor Aaron Gross, in his paper, "The Postville Slaughter Scandals and the Question of 'Religious Slaughter,'" will examine the controversies regarding slaughtering practices at the AgriProcessors meatpacking plant. He will speak to the broader intertwining of religion with Americans’ views on what constitutes ethical and humane animal slaughter.

Register at http://steinhardt.nyu.edu/conference/food_studies.

IFANCA®:

Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America (IFANCA®) is one of the world's leading and well-respected not-for-profit halal certification organizations. Featured in various media such as The Wall Street Journal, Prepared Foods, CNBC and CNN, IFANCA® has been promoting halal since 1982. IFANCA® was recognized in the “Best Halal Related Service Provider Award” by the Halal Journal at World Halal Forum 2007. IFANCA® certified halal products are recognized by Indonesia (MUI), Malaysia (JAKIM), Singapore (MUIS), United Arab Emirates (GSM), and are sold in nearly every country of the world. IFANCA's halal certification expertise covers all food industry categories. For more information about IFANCA®, visit www.ifanca.org 
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IFANCA Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America 
Contact: Naazish YarKhan
  +1-773-283-3708
  n.yarkhan@ifanca.org

Muslim Community Adopts Obama’s ‘Let’s Move’ Campaign Goals


(June 5th, 2012) Mrs. Obama is the spirit behind Let’s Move!, a campaign to bring together community leaders, teachers, doctors, nurses, moms and dads in a nationwide effort to tackle the challenge of childhood obesity. 

Responding to Mrs. Obama's call, Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America (IFANCA) has initiated a series of first ever ‘Halal and Nutrition’ workshops through 2012 to deliver on the campaign’s goals. Its sixth and final workshop this quarter will be at 210 N. Homan, Chicago, IL 60624 at Masjid Dawah on Tuesday, June 5th from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. In this series, IFANCA is partnering with Yvonne Maffei, Founder, My Halal Kitchen, who will conduct a cooking demonstration as part of a fun, interactive workshop on understanding nutritional information, and making healthier everyday food choices. 

These workshops were presented this quarter at Islamic parochial schools and mosques including College Preparatory School of America (CPSA), Lombard, Al Huda Weekend School, Schaumburg, Muslim Educational Center (MEC) Mosque in Morton Grove, Islamic Foundation School (IFS), Villa Park and the ICNA Sisters Wing organized the May 19th workshop at Kindi Academy, Lisle, IL. 

“Most of us know which foods are healthy but are often overwhelmed about easily incorporating them in our daily life,” said IFANCA’s Asma Ahad, who is presenting the workshop with Yvonne Maffei. Asma has over 13 years of experience in the food industry. “These workshops are intended to take the mystery out of food labels and promote an understanding of nutritional values and ingredients.” .

IFANCA®:

Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America (IFANCA®) is one of the world's leading and well-respected not-for-profit halal certification organizations. Featured in various media such as The Wall Street Journal, Prepared Foods, CNBC and CNN, IFANCA® has been promoting halal since 1982. IFANCA® was recognized in the “Best Halal Related Service Provider Award” by the Halal Journal at World Halal Forum 2007. IFANCA® certified halal products are recognized by Indonesia (MUI), Malaysia (JAKIM), Singapore (MUIS), United Arab Emirates (GSM), and are sold in nearly every country of the world. IFANCA's halal certification expertise covers all food industry categories. For more information about IFANCA®, visit www.ifanca.org 
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IFANCA Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America 
Contact: Naazish YarKhan
  +1-773-283-3708
  n.yarkhan@ifanca.org

IFANCA Co-Hosts Training Workshop on Halal Food Management, 
June 04th -05th 2012 in Lahore, Pakistan


(June 04th -05th 2012 in Lahore, Pakistan) IFANCA together with the Halal Research Council, National Institute of Food Science and Technology (NIFSAT), Pakistan Society of Food Scientists and Technologists (PSFST) and Lahore Meat Company will be co-hosting a two day training workshop on Halal Food Management in Lahore, Pakistan. Professor Dr. Javaid A. Awan, IFANCA Country Representative and Dr. Mian N. Riaz, Director, Food Protein R&D Center at Texas A&M University, will be participating as speakers.


The key goal of this Training Workshop on Halal Food Management is to highlight the potential for halal exports and the international halal market, the importance of consuming halal food, and to develop an awareness of halal concept among consumers. 

“Pakistan, being a Muslim-majority nation, halal is generally a known commodity. However, when it comes to halal as a business proposition, there is an acute lack of awareness. Manufacturers who want to learn about the different halal standards various export markets have will want to attend this workshop,” said Dr. Awan. “Similarly, entrepreneurs who want to enter the food industry, will have the opportunity to hear why halal certification is integral to the processed foods industry.”

The topics to be covered are Shariah issues in halal foods, halal and Tayyab in Islam, Halal meat production and export, status of food in the Islamic holy scriptures, needs in halal foods and non-food products, benefits of halal certification and its value to the food industries, halal export potential for Pakistan, hidden ingredients in halal food and the need for halal awareness education. For details, visit: www.halalrc.org.


IFANCA®:

Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America (IFANCA®) is one of the world's leading and well-respected not-for-profit halal certification organizations. Featured in various media such as The Wall Street Journal, Prepared Foods, CNBC and CNN, IFANCA® has been promoting halal since 1982. IFANCA® was recognized in the “Best Halal Related Service Provider Award” by the Halal Journal at World Halal Forum 2007. IFANCA® certified halal products are recognized by Indonesia (MUI), Malaysia (JAKIM), Singapore (MUIS), United Arab Emirates (GSM), and are sold in nearly every country of the world. IFANCA's halal certification expertise covers all food industry categories. For more information about IFANCA®, visit www.ifanca.org 
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IFANCA Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America 
Contact: Maria Omar
  +1-773-283-3708
  M.Omar@ifanca.org

IFANCA®  Presenting on Halal Seafood Opportunities at the 2012 International 
Boston Seafood Show


(March 11, 2012 - Boston, MA) The Chicago-based Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America (IFANCA®) will be speaking at this year's International Boston Seafood Show about halal seafood market opportunities in a session called Kosher and Halal Opportunities in the Seafood Industry on March 11, 2012. This annual seafood tradeshow will take place in Boston, Massachusetts, from March 11 to 13, 2012. 


Each year, the International Boston Seafood Show brings together 18,000 buyers and sellers from more than 120 countries, and over 900 exhibitors, in Boston to do business at one of the world's largest seafood trade events. The event features the newest fresh, frozen, and packaged seafood products and processing equipment; education sessions that help the industry stay on top of emerging consumer trends; supplier-buyer meetings; and an environment to foster important business relationships to increase seafood sales. 

This year, IFANCA's Halal Market Development Director, Asma Ahad, will speak on today's global halal seafood demand. The session is called Kosher and Halal Opportunities in the Seafood Industry and she will be presenting alongside Joel Weinberger from PS Kosher Food Works, Inc. Ahad's talk will cover how halal certification can help seafood companies gain access to this emerging market while adhering to halal guidelines. "The time is ripe for seafood industry insiders to leverage halal foods' exciting and emergent market category," says Ahad. She adds that in recent years, the US market for halal foods was estimated at US$20 billion dollars. The global market for halal foods is even larger; analysts estimate it at US$ 634 billion dollars, which is approximately 16 percent of the global food demand.

Unlike kosher, the market for halal seafood reaches far beyond fresh fish; it includes certain varieties of shellfish. The potential for halal products also extends to seafood flavors, extracts, pulps, stock powder, frozen and packaged goods. Seafood is a popular food group for local and international cuisines. "Now that globalized food trends include an increasing number of packaged and heat-and-serve seafood products in Asian and Middle-Eastern markets, halal consumers actively look for halal certification to ensure that the preparation process doesn't include add-ons that negate their dietary guidelines," explains Asma Ahad.


IFANCA®:

Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America (IFANCA®) is one of the world's leading and well-respected not-for-profit halal certification organizations. Featured in various media such as The Wall Street Journal, Prepared Foods, CNBC and CNN, IFANCA® has been promoting halal since 1982. IFANCA® was recognized in the “Best Halal Related Service Provider Award” by the Halal Journal at World Halal Forum 2007. IFANCA® certified halal products are recognized by Indonesia (MUI), Malaysia (JAKIM), Singapore (MUIS), United Arab Emirates (GSM), and are sold in nearly every country of the world. IFANCA's halal certification expertise covers all food industry categories. For more information about IFANCA®, visit www.ifanca.org 
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IFANCA Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America 

Contact: Maria Omar
  +1-773-283-3708
  M.Omar@ifanca.org

IFANCA® Shares Halal Recipe Development Case-Studies at 2012 Research Chefs Association Conference


(March 22, 2012 - San Antonio, TX) The Chicago-based Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America (IFANCA®) will be speaking at this year’s Research Chefs Association's (RCA) Annual Conference & Culinology® Expo about halal recipe development in a session called Halal Recipe Development: A Competitive Edge in Global and Specialty Markets on March 22, 2012. This annual culinary conference will take place in San Antonio, Texas, from March 21 to 24, 2012. 


The RCA Annual Conference & Culinology® Expo is the only R&D conference focused on the fast growing discipline of Culinology® - the blending of culinary arts and food science. RCA was formed in 1996 by a group of food professionals with a mission to promote the value of Culinology® and empower its community. The RCA has rapidly grown to approximately 2,000 members and has become the premier source of culinary and technical information for the food industry, with a professionally diverse membership including chefs, food scientists, and other industry professionals who are shaping the future of food research and development. 

For the first time, IFANCA will share halal recipe development case-studies of companies they've worked with in the last three decades. This informative discussion will discuss how to develop halal products, understanding the full potential of including halal in menus, and how to leverage halal to differentiate your menu and products from your competitors. Two speakers, Chef Mike Lonteen from Custom Culinary and Chef Demetrios Haralambatos from Kontos Foods, will share their culinary experiences developing halal recipes with IFANCA, as well the market reach that their halal-certified products have enjoyed globally. 

IFANCA's Halal Market Development Director, Asma Ahad, will speak on today's demand for halal prepared foods. Ahad's talk will cover how halal certification can help food companies, across every category, gain access to this emerging market while adhering to halal guidelines. Her presentation will include several different company success stories - from cheeses, teas, and frozen food products to global food conglomerates like Nestle. "Thanks to global food trends, halal consumers, like consumers across the world, have a deep interest in trying out new foods and cuisines," says Ahad. She adds that today, the global and local opportunity for halal prepared foods, foodservice, and menu development is currently assessed at US$634 billion per year, and forms 16 percent of the entire global food industry. In the U.S. alone, halal consumers spend an upward of US$20 billion every year on food, and hold a collective purchasing power of US$170 billion.


IFANCA®:

Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America (IFANCA®) is one of the world's leading and well-respected not-for-profit halal certification organizations. Featured in various media such as The Wall Street Journal, Prepared Foods, CNBC and CNN, IFANCA® has been promoting halal since 1982. IFANCA® was recognized in the “Best Halal Related Service Provider Award” by the Halal Journal at World Halal Forum 2007. IFANCA® certified halal products are recognized by Indonesia (MUI), Malaysia (JAKIM), Singapore (MUIS), United Arab Emirates (GSM), and are sold in nearly every country of the world. IFANCA's halal certification expertise covers all food industry categories. For more information about IFANCA®, visit www.ifanca.org 
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IFANCA Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America 
Contact: Naazish YarKhan
  +1-773-283-3708
  n.yarkhan@ifanca.org

5th International Halal Food Conference by Halal Food Council of Europe (HFCE) 
Brings Industry Leaders Together


(March 23, 2012 - Brussels, Belgium)  The 5th International Halal Food Conference organized by the Halal Food Council of Europe (HFCE), an IFANCA sister organization, was held on March 23rd, 2012 and was extremely well attended. The theme of this year's conference was "Halal Market Potential: A Global Force". This one day event was endorsed by the Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America (IFANCA), the World Halal Food Council (WHFC), and co-sponsored by Abbott Nutritionals.


In attendance were dignitaries, HFCE client companies, importers, exporters and representatives from government halal regulatory bodies such as JAKIM (Malaysia) & MUI (Indonesia). The conference began with recitation from the Holy Quran, followed by the Welcome Address by HFCE Chairman, Prof. Dr. Hj. Mohamed Sadek. The official opening of the conference was done by H.E. Dato' Zainuddin Yahya, Ambassador of Malaysia to Belgium.

15 speakers from various client companies and representatives from government regulatory departments shared insights on subjects associated with the increasing potential of halal products in a global economy. Many views were exchanged ranging from halal certification to global halal standards.

The speakers from Indonesia & Malaysia were especially well received as attendees were eager to hear their point of view regarding the criteria and standards of halal in their respective countries.

The most well attended presentations were on the topics of Halal Traceability by Dr. Heiner Lehr, Halal Food Certification: Opportunities and Challenges by Dr. Abdulla Ruwaida, Mr. Othman Yusoff of Nestle Malaysia. Equally popular were speakers from Givaudan Flavors and DSM Nutritionals.

Given the tremendous response and large number of attendees this year, the HFCE staffs looks forward to an even stronger showing at the 6th International Halal Food Conference to be held in the Spring of 2014 in Brussels.


IFANCA®:

Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America (IFANCA®) is one of the world's leading and well-respected not-for-profit halal certification organizations. Featured in various media such as The Wall Street Journal, Prepared Foods, CNBC and CNN, IFANCA® has been promoting halal since 1982. IFANCA® was recognized in the “Best Halal Related Service Provider Award” by the Halal Journal at World Halal Forum 2007. IFANCA® certified halal products are recognized by Indonesia (MUI), Malaysia (JAKIM), Singapore (MUIS), United Arab Emirates (GSM), and are sold in nearly every country of the world. IFANCA's halal certification expertise covers all food industry categories. For more information about IFANCA®, visit www.ifanca.org 
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IFANCA Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America 
Contact: Maria Omar
  +1-773-283-3708
  M.Omar@ifanca.org

IFANCA®  Speaks on Halal Product Development at 2012 IFT Wellness Conference


(March 28, 2012 - Rosemont, IL) The Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America (IFANCA®) will be speaking at this year’s Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) Annual Wellness Conference about halal R&D development in a session called Managing Dietary Markets: How to Leverage Halal and Kosher in Product Development on March 28, 2012. This annual R&D conference will take place in Rosemont, Illinois, from March 28 to 29, 2012. 


The IFT Annual Wellness Conference offers attendees a unique blend of perspectives, news about emerging trends, and information about how food industry organizations are penetrating the health and wellness sector. The conference is designed to bring together product developers, brand managers, dieticians, and others involved in the development and marketing of foods that contribute to health and wellness. 

At this conference, IFANCA will share halal R&D and product development information on halal certified-products, as well have a parallel discussion on kosher certification requirements. IFANCA designed the session around the growing demand to accommodate diverse dietary needs in product development. Today, companies are trying to attract multiple consumer profiles and there is a need to appeal to a wide range of global, multicultural consumers, while at the same time a need to reduce regulatory costs, save time, and resolve clean labeling issues. This groundbreaking session will educate participants on specific R&D information that highlights similarities and differences between halal and kosher, two examples of special dietary needs that dominate global food products. Participants will also learn about he markets demanding these certificates, and the challenges around dual certification during product development. Insight into what appeals to consumers during religious observances will also be explored. Speakers include Asma Ahad, Director of Halal Market Development from the Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America; Brooke Schantz, R.D., an outpatient dietician from Loyola University; and Dr. Joe Regenstein, a Professor of Food Science from Cornell University. 

IFANCA’s Halal Market Development Director, Asma Ahad, will speak on today’s demand for dietary certified prepared foods and explore company success stories that have made accommodating dietary needs an integral part of their long-term growth strategy. “Dietary certifications, like halal certification, not only allow companies to access global markets, they also help show a company’s commitment to high-quality product development,” says Ahad. She adds that today, the global and regional opportunity for halal prepared foods, foodservice, and menu development is currently assessed at US$634 billion per year, and forms 16 percent of the entire global food industry. In the U.S. alone, halal consumers spend an upward of US$20 billion every year on food, and hold a collective purchasing power of US$170 billion.


IFANCA®:

Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America (IFANCA®) is one of the world's leading and well-respected not-for-profit halal certification organizations. Featured in various media such as The Wall Street Journal, Prepared Foods, CNBC and CNN, IFANCA® has been promoting halal since 1982. IFANCA® was recognized in the “Best Halal Related Service Provider Award” by the Halal Journal at World Halal Forum 2007. IFANCA® certified halal products are recognized by Indonesia (MUI), Malaysia (JAKIM), Singapore (MUIS), United Arab Emirates (GSM), and are sold in nearly every country of the world. IFANCA's halal certification expertise covers all food industry categories. For more information about IFANCA®, visit www.ifanca.org 
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IFANCA Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America 
Contact: Naazish YarKhan
  +1-773-283-3708
  n.yarkhan@ifanca.org

IFANCA® Co-Sponsors Chicago Conference for Somalia's Long-Term Social 
and Economic Development


(April 14, 2012 - Chicago, IL) Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America (IFANCA) was a co-sponsor of the Chicago Conference on Somalia, held in Chicago on April 14, 2012. The gathering called for a comprehensive strategic planning process for long term social & economic security for Somalia. Led by Somalia Strategy Forum (SSF), supported by The National Strategy Forum (NSF), the World Engagement Institute (WEI) and the Sustainable Capacity International Institute (SCII), the conference laid the foundation for experts, including the Somali Diaspora, to make a positive and constructive engagement towards rebuilding of Somalia. Seven areas of concern and their associated constitutional reforms were introduced. These were Economic Development, Human security, Governance Capacity, Education, Health, Poverty Eradication and food Security.


Dr. Chaudry, President, IFANCA and Mohammad Adil Khan-Qasmi, Director of Government and International Relations, IFANCA were present at the conference. Mr. Khan-Qasmi is also founder of the US Halal Association and a Senior International Fellow at WEI. 

"For decades now, Somalia has been in the grip of hunger, famine, malnutrition and other hardships. IFANCA will lend its expertise to drafting solutions that pertain to food and agriculture," said Dr. Chaudry. "Our efforts will, God willing, contribute to reviving Somalia on both the social and economic front."

"80% of remittances to Somalia, from family living abroad, is spent on food. There is no local economy to sustain life in Somalia," added Mr. Khan, based on a recent visit to that nation. "With access to the latest know-how, capital and technology, Somalia can capitalize on their soil and climate, both of which are conducive to growing many varieties of food." Fish, Cattle, Poultry and sugar cane farming are some areas of potential economic opportunity.


IFANCA®:

Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America (IFANCA®) is one of the world's leading and well-respected not-for-profit halal certification organizations. Featured in various media such as The Wall Street Journal, Prepared Foods, CNBC and CNN, IFANCA® has been promoting halal since 1982. IFANCA® was recognized in the “Best Halal Related Service Provider Award” by the Halal Journal at World Halal Forum 2007. IFANCA® certified halal products are recognized by Indonesia (MUI), Malaysia (JAKIM), Singapore (MUIS), United Arab Emirates (GSM), and are sold in nearly every country of the world. IFANCA's halal certification expertise covers all food industry categories. For more information about IFANCA®, visit www.ifanca.org 

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