Announcing the IFANCA 40th Anniversary Celebration and Conference

Monday, September 19, 2022

Welcome Address

Muhammad Munir Chaudry – President, Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America (IFANCA®), USA

Opening Remarks

Perspective from the Past: The History of the Global Halal Certification Industry

Nabil A. Molla – Chief Executive Officer, Nabil Molla Consulting Center, and Retired Officer – GCC Accreditation Centre (GAC), Saudi Arabia

Discussion of the Past, Current State and Anticipated Future of Halal Regulations in the UAE

As an organization, IFANCA as an organization has always been focused first on science. Our food scientists review products before certification to assist the industry in the better research and development of halal products. In addition, testing for product compliance and emphasis on consumer transparency have increased significantly over the years. In this session, we’ll discuss the science of halal and how ingredients and testing play a critical role in the development of products that can be certified for export.

Shaikh Hamza Yusuf Hanson – President, Zaytuna College, USA

Discussion of the Past, Current State and Anticipated Future of Halal Regulations in Various Countries

Nabil A. Molla – Chief Executive Officer, Nabil Molla Consulting Center, and Retired Officer – GCC Accreditation Centre (GAC), Saudi Arabia

Testing for product compliance has developed significantly over the years, making it an important step in the certification process. The role of testing is anticipated to increase in two areas: first, in product development to ensure that import requirements and the consumer expectations for authenticity are met; and second, food forensic testing continues to present challenges as the accessibility of information and availability of testing have become widespread. The need for standards in testing through proper laboratory analysis is more critical than ever before.

Mohammad Ashraf Tahir – Director General, Punjab Forensic Science Agency, Pakistan

Muti Arintawati – President Director, The Assessment Institute for Foods, Drugs, and Cosmetics – Majelis Ulama Indonesia (LPPOM MUI)

Winai Dahlan – Founder Director, The Halal Science Center Chulalongkorn University, Thailand

The halal industry provides more than certified ingredients and products; it also increases consumer trust and demands transparency through third-party oversight. Together, we share a responsibility to educate and provide food security. In this session, we’ll discuss IFANCA’s partnership and work to provide health and food security as well as share our vision for the future, including increased access to certified halal foods.

Rafi-uddin Shikoh – CEO and Managing Partner, DinarStandard, USA

Austin Chu – Assistant Director, Global Cause Partnerships, UNICEF USA

Nadeem Zafar – President, Chartwells, USA

Tuesday, September 20, 2022

Discussion of the Current State of Indonesia’s Halal Policy and Regulations, Including International Cooperation on Halal Quality Assurance

Siti Aminah – Head Center for Cooperation and Standardization BPJPH, Indonesia

Fertiana Santy – Coordinator for Cooperation and Partnership BPJPH, Indonesia

Discussion of the Past, Current State and Anticipated Future of Halal Regulations

Zalman Putra Ahmad Ali – Director, Halal Development, Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura (MUIS), Singapore

Winai Dahlan – Founder Director, The Halal Science Center Chulalongkorn University, Thailand

Donny Purnomo Januardhi – Director for System and Harmonization Accreditation, Badan Standardisasi National (BSN) Indonesia

Siti Aminah – Head Center for Cooperation and Standardization BPJPH, Indonesia

Fertiana Santy – Coordinator for Cooperation and Partnership BPJPH, Indonesia

Food trends in the last forty years have had a significant impact on the global halal industry. From the use of whey in the dairy industry to the mitigation of alcohol in products, the halal industry has been prepared to adapt quickly. We’ll discuss how current foods trends, including the development and marketing of new foods sources such as plant-based protein, insects, and lab-created protein will impact global halal regulations and certifications. 

Shaikh Hamza Yusuf Hanson – President, Zaytuna College, USA

Faridah Hj. Hassan – Deputy President, World Academy of Islamic Management, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia

Cameron Vincent – EHS Manager, Kansas Protein Foods, USA

The creation of global halal standards for non-meat products will create consistency in meeting halal requirements throughout the supply chain, positively impacting the industry, certifying bodies, and consumers. This session aims to create an understanding of the commonalties and differences in standards as we work together to develop a global halal standard. In addition, we’ll discuss how IFANCA’s partnership with certifying bodies is a case study in increasing consumer access and trust in halal products.

Saeed Hayek – Food Scientist and Quality Manager, Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America (IFANCA®), USA

Muhammad Munir Chaudry, President, Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America (IFANCA®)