One Day Specialized Training workshop on Halal Gelatin organized by Halal Research Council

About Organizer:

Halal Research Council (HRC) is working globally on Halal certifications in order to cater the needs of Halal food and nutrition besides non-food agencies especially in the FMCG sectors with state-of-the-art services of Advisory & consultancy, Halal Certification, Education and Trainings in order to promote Halal industry, with an objective to boost the Halal economy worldwide.

Training Proceedings on Halal Gelatin:

This report covered the present scenario and the growth prospects of the Gelatin and Gelatin Derivatives market in all over the globe. It focused on four primary areas of Gelatin: manufacture methods, product quality standards & technology development, market situation & trend analysis, applications and distribution policy of Halal gelatin. Training was started by the recitation of Holy Quran and then welcomes address to honorable participants and prestigious speakers. Dr. S.M. Ghufran Saeed is expert Food Technologist and currently serving in Department of Agricultural, SGS Pakistan. He involved in teaching, Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Karachi during the session 2007 to 2012 (Five years). He also works in HEJ Research Institute as Research Associate. He has sound background of the subject and capable of handling and research study based on food. His Concept in basic sciences is quite clear and well developed that enables him to grasp quickly new ideas and methods. His analytical ability and critical thinking often helps in solving research based problems and to reach the correct findings and conclusions.  Dr. S.M. Ghufran Saeed was invited for the vote of thanks and while addressing to the participants he said, Gelatins across the globe has an increasing demand and almost it is manufactured in all the continents. Scientifically gelatin is a form of protein which is derived from collagen which is found in all vertebrate animals in their bones and skin. Gelatin is not occurs in free form, it has to be derived from a source containing collagen. Gelatin is used in various industries such as food, pharmaceuticals, medical, cosmetics, technical and others. The properties of gelatin like its odorless tasteless, reacting with acids and acting as base makes it more suitable to use in food industry. The annual Gelatin production across the globe is 330 metric tons in which 40% is alone consumed in Europe. Considering the changing food habits, development in medical, pharmaceuticals, cosmetic industry the requirement of gelatin is increasing thus stimulating the global gelatin market. Thereafter, it was the official start of the training and Dr. S.M. Ghufran Saeed started the first session with the following topics. Introduction of Halal industry where he discussed emerging concept of Halal food in Halal industry, Introduction of Global Halal market, Islamic Guidelines For Food And Drink, Halal Practices In The Food Industry, Critical Halal Issues In The Food Industry, Food Label For Halal Foods, Halal Foods And Requirements For Importing Halal Products.

In the next session, He discussed the Kosher & Halal Food Laws and the History and market Value of Gelatin, Introduction of Gelatin, Global view of Gelatin industry, where he said, gelatin world production is round about 3,50,000 M Ton in 2014 and estimated  3,96,000 M in 2017. After that he discussed about the Sources of Gelatin like common sources of collagen for gelatin are pig skin, cattle skin, cattle bones, fish skin, poultry skin. He briefed about the Production & Processing of Halal Gelatin and the Use of Gelatin, Introduction of Gelatin science, composition Of Gelatin and the types of Gelatin and the Chemistry of Gelatin.  He also outlined the challenges faced by gelatin industry. He said, the gelatin industry, over the years, has borne the brunt of negative publicity over the safety of this animal-derived ingredient, and the resulting tightened regulations, and legislative riders governing the use of gelatin in supplements. Supported by new research findings, manufacturers are fast promoting gelatin as safe for human consumption.  In the next Session the topics of discussion were Characterization & Quality Criteria of Gelatin, Physical & Chemical Properties of Gelatin, regulatory requirements, and Standard quality tests of Gelatin.

The Next Session was covered by Mufti Zeeshan Abdul Aziz Senior Shariah Advisor and Halal Scheme Manager, Pakistan. Mufti Zeeshan Abdul Aziz is graduated and specialized from Jamia Dar Ul Uloom Karachi, Pakistan, having Takhassus Fil Ifta (Specialization in Islamic Jurisprudence) majoring in Halal Foods and Islamic Banking & Finance. He is serving as Chairman Shariah Board of Halal Development Foundation, Japan, (HDFJ), Shariah Advisor of SGS Pakistan (Pvt) Ltd and has been associated as Member Shariah Board of several Halal Certification bodies of Middle East, Pakistan, Europe and Far East and has performed more than100 Halal Certification audits of different food, beverages, cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries in different parts of the world. He is also the member of Technical Committee on Halal Foods and Halal Cosmetics Standards, PSQCA (Pakistan Standards & Quality Control Authority) and member of Halal Accreditation Committee of PNAC (Pakistan National Accreditation Council), Ministry of Science & Technology, Govt. of Pakistan for accreditation of the Halal Certification bodies and has performed Halal Accreditation Audits as Shariah Expert on behalf of the Accreditation Body. During his lecture, he said Halal and Haram is a sensitive and serious matter and is gaining serious attention globally. Adulteration and contamination of Haram and doubtful ingredients and additives are major concerns in the Halal industry presently and standard methods of analysis need to be developed. Properly processed, verified and certified Halal products (in particular, foods) are pertinent to capture the lucrative Halal market. There exist the urgent need to resolve and harmonize issues on ingredients (gelatin, alcohol, slaughtering) among certification bodies/authorities/government agencies. He covered The Topics of Introduction to Halal Gelatin, What Is Halal, Sources of Gelatin in Islam, Shariah Issues, Shariah Guidelines for Gelatin and Halal Gelatin Vs Non Halal Gelatin, Application & Marketing value of Halal Gelatin, Nutritional Importance Of Gelatin, Uses Of Gelatin In Food Production, Uses Of Gelatin In Non Food Industries, Gelatin Testing By PCR And The Future Prospects. In these topics, he discussed that these days, alcohol is mostly prepared from sources other than completely Haram Liquids/Drinks, therefore all those perfumes in which this Alcohol is used, are Tahir and their external use is permissible and also details of Ingredients made up from Animal Source (and specially Pig source) have already been mentioned before under the permissible and Impermissible animals. Ingredients made up these days from Synthetic Source and Bio-Technology are also permissible if they are not Intoxicant (e.g. does not contain alcohol from impermissible source) and not harmful for health and do not contain any other Haram Substance in them.  He said approximately 90% of all pharmaceutical gelatin produced is processed to capsules and the health care (hygiene and beauty) market is one that has been showing one of the highest growth rates in the world. In 2004, this market was 230.4 billion US$ and has grown about 8% year over the last five years.

In The End of the Training Workshop, Questions and Answer Session related to the following Points was Taken Place. The Training Workshop Was Ended By Certificate Distribution Ceremony. We thankful to our valuable Participants of this training who belong to the prestigious organizations like Fauji fertilizer limited, Bureau certification, Pak gelatin, SGS Pvt Ltd, and the students of university of Karachi without their valuable contribution this training could not become successful. The trainees were quite satisfied by the quality of the knowledge given by the trainers on Halal Gelatin. Over all, training met huge success. 

Global Halal Food Market to reach $1.6 Trillion By 2018

Halal food and beverage market has grown to a $1.1 trillion industry in 2013, according to the latest research note by Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry based on a recent study by Thomson Reuters in collaboration with Dinar Standard.

Halal food market includes a large variety of products from raw chicken and beef to halal processed foods and cold drinks.

The Chamber report estimated that in 2012, halal food and beverage market accounted for 16.6 per cent of the global food and beverage market, indicating greater awareness worldwide about the sustainable and wholesome principles that are at the core of halal food production.

The outlook remained bright as the report expected the market to be worth $1.6 trillion by 2018, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 6.9 per cent.

Abdul Rahman Saif Al Ghurair, Chairman of Dubai Chamber, said: "We see opportunities to enhance the halal food industry. The research finding on halal food sector is of considerable importance for the UAE food and beverage business, especially since halal food is a key pillar in the Dubai Capital of Islamic Economy initiative launched in 2013. Based on the initiative, Dubai has the capability to create new avenues for growth in this sector, and become an international centre for halal industry."

UAE halal food market consumption at $20 billion

According to the Dubai Chamber report, the UAE halal food consumption market was valued at around $20 billion in 2012. Halal meat is an important component of this market, dominated by unpackaged meat which, according to 2013 estimates, constitutes about 78.7 per cent of the market share while packaged meat took the remaining 21.3 per cent.

Most of the meat sold in the UAE is uncooked, with retail sales accounting for about 43.8 per cent of the UAE uncooked meat market in 2013 while food service business, including hotels, restaurants and catering outlets, constituting about 47.9 per cent, says the report.

Highlighting the preference of UAE residents for packaged food as they look for convenience in their busy lifestyle, the research note showed that packaged food worth about Dh11.148 billion was sold in the UAE in 2013.

Increasing demand is expected to take the packaged food market to about Dh14.078 billion by 2018, with sales value growing at a CAGR of about 4.78 per cent during this period, the report states, indicating a long-term business opportunity in the UAE halal food market. The report identified branding and franchising in this area as critical to UAE businesses looking to increase profit margins and new opportunities for international expansion.

Globally, halal food industry is growing in a number of markets mainly in countries in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region, South and South East Asia. Indonesia is the biggest halal food market with market value of $197 billion in 2012, according to the report.

Turkey, with $100 billion, is the second largest market.

The report highlights the potential for UAE businesses to source lower cost basic food products from a variety of countries across Africa, Asia and Latin America, which can then be further processed, packed and branded to be sold in international markets. Given the strong expected population growth and income growth across these developing regions, businesses could expect further robust demand increases in these markets, the research note adds.

As a major centre for halal food, Dubai imports meat from a number of markets. Brazil accounted for more than half of Dubai's meat imports in 2013, supplying 166 thousand metric tons (TMT) of the total volume of 314 TMT to take 53 per cent of the market share, far ahead of the US at second place with 14 per cent, Dubai Chamber stated based on Dubai Customs data. The US exported 43 TMT while Australia was a distant third with 27 TMT, taking just 9% market share. Among the neighbouring countries, Pakistan and India each supplied 5 per cent of the total volume, while Ethiopia cornered 3 per cent.

Foreign trade statistics showed that only about 10 per cent of meat imported into Dubai annually was re-exported, the bulk being used for domestic consumption. With meat constituting a major part of the diet of the population, demand is mostly unaffected by income variations, according to the Chamber. However, meat imports to Dubai have been driven by increase or decrease in population with imports peaking during the years of rapid economic development of Dubai, especially in 2007 and 2008, and slowing down in 2009 and 2010, when manpower requirement decreased due to the global crisis.

Business opportunities in global halal food market are not limited to food production, but span the entire halal food value chain. This value chain includes businesses providing inputs such as seeds and fertilizers, farms raising livestock, businesses providing technology for food production, food processing facilities, logistics companies moving perishable food items, importers of food and finally retail outlets selling halal food products, Dubai Chamber states in the report. Innovation across this value chain could therefore be a driver helping in the search for new markets and greater profits, it adds.

With economic indicators pointing to accelerating growth of the economy of Dubai and the UAE in the coming years, growing manpower requirements will lead to increase in population, which in turn will raise imports of food, particularly meat which constitutes a major component of the population's diet, the report said.

Source:http://www.emirates247.com/business/global-halal-food-market-to-reach-1-6-trillion-by-2018-2014-08-11-1.559037

Thai Government Supports Global Standard Halal Food Production

BANGKOK, June 4 -- The Thai government has geared up in encouraging Thai entrepreneurs to produce foods that meets international Halal standard to cater to the demands of growing Halal food market.

The Thai Industrial Standards Institute (TISI) and National Food Institute jointly organised a study visit to the food production factory of IBF Halal Food Company in Samut Prakarn.

The factory is one of the main facilities in Thailand that produces food of high quality Halal standard.

The main purpose of this trip was to provide Thai food business owners with knowledge on how to produce Halal food products that meet global standards ahead of ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) integration next year.

About 40 per cent of the ASEAN population, or 264 million people, are Muslim, and the TISI also believed that the market for Halal food could be as high as USD$80 billion and continues to expand.

Thailand is only exporting around US$1.62 billion of Halal food around the world, 80 per cent of which is produced from natural ingredients that do not require Halal food inspection and stamp.

TISI said, at present, there are 64,500 products from 2,188 Thai businesses which have requested to be certified by the Halal food standard.

Some 90 per cent of this figures are food products, and that the number of Thai entrepreneurs seeking Halal certification has a tendency to increase by about 20 per cent annually.

Source: http://www.pattayamail.com/business/thai-government-supports-global-standard-halal-food-production-38373

  

Halal Food: PPIM Proposes Formulation Of Halal Products Act

KUALA LUMPUR, June 4 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Islamic Consumers Association (PPIM) on Wednesday proposed that the government formulates a 'Halal Food Act' to protect the interests of Muslims and the integrity of Islamic institutions in the country.

Its secretary, Datuk Dr Ma'amor Osman said the Halal certification system could be an economic sabotage and a disaster if issues concerning food such as the crisis on the discovery of the pig DNA in the Cadbury chocolate were not handled properly.

"We hope the government is serious and committed in protecting and empowering the interests of Muslims, the integrity, religion and institutions of Islam such as the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) and the state Islamic Religious Departments," he said in a statement.

A report recently quoted the Health Department as having detected porcine or the pig DNA in the milk and Hazel nut chocolates of the Cadbury products for the Cadbury product batch which would expire on Nov 13, 2014 and the batch expiring on Jan 15, 2015.

Two days later, Jakim however confirmed that the two chocolate product samples taken directly from the company's factory had been confirmed by the Chemistry Department as not containing the pig DNA.

Ma'amor said the PPIM also proposed that the government increased the number of accredited laboratories so that the confirmation of the presence of the pig DNA could be traced without any doubt.

Source: http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v7/ge/newsgeneral.php?id=1043771

Muslim community cracking down on fake Halal foods

TORONTO – Canada’s growing Halal food industry has made it an attractive target for fraud – something that leaders in Canada’s Muslim community hope to end.

“Halal is really important to uphold a Muslim’s spirituality, the acceptance of our worship in the eyes of God is dependent on it, that we’re only consuming Halal,” says Omar Subedar, a Toronto-area imam who serves as the secretary general and official spokesperson of the Halal Monitoring Authority.

Subedar says that the inability of meat producers and abattoirs to meet the rising demand for Halal meat, coupled with a lack of oversight opened the door for exploitation.

“As the Muslim community grows here in Canada, and specifically the GTA, you’re going to see a lot of people now demanding Halal products,” says Subedar.

” There are people that do feel they can take advantage of this.”

Subedar says he was first tipped off to the scams years ago by sources inside the meat producing itself.

At first he was skeptical of the information, thinking it was merely an attempt discredit the competition while promoting their own product.

After some initial digging, Subedar and his peers organized a task force that carried out several investigations over a four-month period in 2004.

“We came across a lot of things that made us lose our sleep,” Subedar says.

In one particular investigation, involved a quail abattoir that produced Halal meat exclusively for a single client.

Knowing this, a distributor began sticking his own “Halal” labels on non-Halal meat leaving the abattoir.

“He slapped it on and next thing you know, when we were doing our investigations in all of these supermarkets, which grocery stores that carry Halal products, lo and behold, that stuff is there and people are buying it.”

Subedar says that revelations from the investigation led to the formation of the HMA, which maintains a comprehensive listing of Halal-certified producers, brands and restaurants.

The next step for Subedar and his fellow imams is to create an official, national governing body to regulate the certification of Halal products.

Sources: http://globalnews.ca/news/1376913/muslim-community-cracking-down-on-fake-halal-foods/