We’ve all heard the phrase, “Milk does a body good.” While it may be a slogan, it’s not to be argued with, as milk and dairy have known health benefits.

And if you’re going to be enjoying a tall glass of milk, why not make sure it is certified halal? Organic Valley has a variety of halal-certified milk and other dairy products to choose from. In fact, IFANCA now certifies over 50 Organic Valley products halal!

Organic Valley first achieved halal certification in 2010 for the shelf-stable products Organic Nonfat Dry Milk, Organic Whole Milk Powder, and Aseptic Milk in order to export ingredients to Indonesia. Two years later, they made the decision to expand halal certification to all dairy products, from milk and cream to butter and cheese, both domestic and for export, due to an evolving customer base. “We chose IFANCA because of their solid reputation and name recognition,” says Elizabeth Horton, director of public relations.

Was obtaining halal certification difficult? According to Horton, it’s an educational process for their co-processors who have not previously carried a halal certification. “We sponsor each facility for certification to help navigate them through. One particular challenge is working with ingredient suppliers.” Horton explains that, as vitamin fortification is required for many dairy products, vitamin suppliers have not seen the demand for halal certification, making it difficult to convince them to get certified.

As the halal market continues to grow, the hope is that these vitamin suppliers and suppliers of all consumable products will take notice and ease the difficulties Organic Valley and other halal certified brands may face in the future.

Horton admits, “Halal certification is important to families who choose Organic Valley milk — our customers — and the market.”

You can find a listing of Organic Valley halal-certified products at www.ifanca.org.

You might be wondering why milk should need halal certification. As you may know, most milk is fortified with vitamins A and D. What you may not know is the source of those vitamins. When you see the Crescent-M on that container of Organic Valley milk, you can be sure the source of those vitamins is halal.

 

Organic Valley is America’s largest cooperative of organic farmers and one of the nation’s leading organic brands. Organized in 1988, it represents 1,844 farmers in 36 states. Focused on its founding mission of saving family farms through organic farming, Organic Valley produces a variety of organic foods, including organic milk, soy, cheese, butter, spreads, creams, eggs, and produce, which are sold in supermarkets, natural foods stores and food cooperatives nationwide. With its regional model, milk is produced, bottled, and distributed right in the region where it is farmed to ensure fewer miles from farm to table and to support our local economies.

For further information visit www.organicvalley.coop

Got a question? Call the consumer hotline at (888) 444-MILK (6455)

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You might be wondering why milk should need halal certification. As you may know, most milk is fortified with vitamins A and D. What you may not know is the source of those vitamins. When you see the Crescent-M on that container of Organic Valley milk, you can be sure the source of those vitamins is halal.