Assalaamu alaikum,

Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes at IFANCA? While many of you enjoy reading Halal Consumer magazine, you may not be fully aware of the broader scope of our work. In this issue, we take a fresh look at IFANCA’s mission and global impact. The halal industry is expanding well beyond food, with new innovations and global partnerships building consumer trust. Explore IFANCA’s global leadership and forward-thinking approach in “Pioneering Trust and Innovation in the Global Halal Industry.” The growing demand for halal-certified products, supported by strict standards, has driven the certification of items beyond meat, including dairy, pharmaceuticals, and food-related packaging materials. Discover how this broader approach is transforming the halal market in “Halal Explained: From Food Fundamentals to Certification.”

Our cover story spotlights IFANCA’s 22nd International Halal Food Conference, held in Chicago this past April. This biannual gathering brought together international regulatory authorities, industry professionals, and government officials to exchange insights and discuss new regulatory developments and policies from different countries. Companies and individuals were also recognized for their achievements in advancing halal products globally.

This issue features important policy milestones that will impact health and nutrition nationwide, with Illinois becoming the first state to mandate access to halal meals in public schools, hospitals, and correctional institutions. “Bridging Nutrition and Faith: Ensuring Halal Food Access, One Plate at a Time” explores how the passage of the Faith By Plate Act sets an example for other states to follow to ensure halal accessibility for everyone across the country.

“The Red Alert on Red No. 3” delves into another policy shift where this synthetic additive is being phased out for healthier and natural alternatives. Halal-certified Australian lamb and Wagyu are increasingly featured at high-end steakhouses in the U.S. “Halal from Down Under: Australia’s Meat Exports Unpacked” explains how Australia regulates its red meat exports and what consumers should look for to ensure the meat they consume aligns with halal standards.

Some of that premium Australian meat might even find its way into your kitchen. Our recipes are perfect for hosting out-of-town guests and feature a variety of global cuisines. From spicy Hyderabadi Dum ka Gosht and fragrant Moroccan Lamb Tagine to classic Nigerian Jollof Rice, and ending the meal with colorful cake pops, there is something for everyone to enjoy!

Balancing occasional indulgences with exercise and healthy eating supports heart health. Often called the “silent killer,” high cholesterol shows no early symptoms yet contributes to heart disease and stroke, two of the leading causes of death in the United States. Discover how consistent physical activity and smart dietary choices can help manage harmful cholesterol levels and improve your well-being.

From certification and policy advocacy to education, public health, and culinary inspiration, this issue reflects IFANCA’s continued commitment to serving the evolving needs of Muslim consumers in the U.S. and beyond. For the latest IFANCA and Halal Consumer magazine updates, please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X. We welcome your comments and feedback at halalconsumer@ifanca.org,as we love hearing from our readers!

Sincerely,

Zehra Jafri, Editor