The Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America hosted a luncheon on July 20th at the North Shore Holiday Inn and Convention Center, Skokie for a delegation visiting from the Kingdom of Thailand.

A three-party memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed between IFANCA, the Thai Halal Science Center and the Thai Institute for Halal Food Standards. Representing Thailand at the MOU signing ceremony were Professor Winai Dahlan, director of the Thai Halal Science Center, and Mr. Samai Charoenchang, president of the Thai Institute for Halal Food Standards. Dr. Muhammad Munir Chaudry, president IFANCA, co-signed the agreement as well. The parties agreed to establish collaboration in halal industry matters for the mutual benefit of both sides in the following areas:

  • Accreditation, certification, quality system implementation for halal products and other services performed under responsibilities of each institution.
  • Recognize each other as a reference institution for halal inspection benchmarks.
  • Develop common halal standards and guidelines for the benefit of all Muslim consumers.
  • Support this relationship by establishing exchange programs, providing institutional funding and assisting with other legal matters for mutual benefit.

It is our hope that this memo of understanding will promote scientific and research exchanges to promote halal worldwide.

The official seal of approval was placed by Mr. Thanatip Upatising, Deputy Director-General, Department of International Economic Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kingdom of Thailand, and Mr. Santi Bangor, Deputy Secretary General, the National Economic and Social Development Board, Kingdom of Thailand, as witnesses.

Mr. Narote Sangkamanee, Consul General of Thailand in Chicago, also graced this occasion. Other delegates from Thailand included Ms. Morakot Janemathukorn, Ms. Vanida Nopponpunth and Mr. Jongjit Angkatavanich.

IFANCA personnel present at the meeting included Dr. Mohamad Sadek, vice president, Saad Asrar, Suzann Audi and Zeshan Sadek.

The delegation, earlier in the day, visited the IFANCA Halal Research Center located in Park Ridge, Illinois. The Thai delegation is touring USA and Canada to build alliances in an effort to promote Thai food products. The delegation also visited the American Dietetic Association, Muslim Consumer Group for Food Products as well as several food businesses.

Halal industry matters in Thailand are sanctioned by His Majesty the King of Thailand, with the assistance of Thai Halal Science Center and Thai Institute of Halal Food Standards.

IFANCA is the largest and most recognized halal supervision organization in USA and Canada.

For further information visit www.halal.com or contact:
Mr. Zeshan Sadek, MBBS
IFANCA
Tel: 1.847.993.0034
Fax: 1.847.993.0038
Email: z.sadek@ifanca.org