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/

Research and Markets: European Halal Food Market Report 2014-2018: Carrefour SA, Nestl SA, Tahira Foods Ltd. & Tesco plc Dominates the Market

The Halal Food market in Europe generates revenue from the sales of four types of Halal food: livestock, processed food, non-alcoholic beverages, and dairy products. Processed food comprises of confectionery, bakery products, sauces, dressing and condiments, and canned and frozen food.

Increasing functional investments is one of the prominent trends in the Halal Food market in Europe. The areas which are the focus of R&D are product innovation, slaughter management, education on halal norms, and halal marketing and branding. The rise of halal "parks", where halal compliance is expected to be in place from farm to fork is an example of the R&D taking place in product innovation. R&D in slaughter management is focused on slaughter procedure and animal handling and management. Education on halal norms consists of increasing awareness of halal procedures and provision of training to inspectors and auditors. R&D of halal marketing and branding involves, for example, studying the relationship between the certification of halal products and an increase in consumer confidence.

According to the report, the growth of the Halal Food market in Europe is supported by several drivers, one of which is an increase in the Muslim population in Europe, especially in Russia. Consumption of halal food products is directly proportional to the Muslim population. The high standard of living in Europe is another major driver of the market.

Further, the report states that lack of authentic halal certification bodies is one of the major challenges to the market. Export-bound products often face issues with respect to authentic certification. Also, the authenticity of the certifications is an important criterion that instills confidence in consumers.

Key Vendors

• Carrefour SA
• Nestle SA
• Tahira Foods Ltd.
• Tesco plc

Other Prominent Vendors

• Al-Falah Halal Foods Ltd.
• Cleone Foods Ltd.
• Crown Chicken Ltd.
• Euro Foods Group Ltd.
• Eggelbusch GmbH & Co. KG
• Shaheen Foods Ltd.
• Sickendiek Fleischwarenfabrik GmbH & Co.
• Ummah Foods Ltd

Key Market Drivers/Challenges/Trends

• Increase in the Muslim Population.
• Lack of Halal Certification by an Authentic Body.
• Increasing R&D Investments.

Source: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20140527005609/en/Research-Markets-European-Halal-Food-Market-Report#.U4gj2XKSxOI

Halal meat row: Ministers will consider labelling if there is 'widespread demand'

Ministers say they will consider compulsory labelling for halal meat if there is 'widespread demand' and it is done across Europe

Pizza Express says it serves only halal chicken at its restaurants

Compulsory labelling of halal meat could be supported by the government if it is enforced by the European Union, a minister has said.

Jenny Willott, a Liberal Democrat minister, said the government will consider introducing a ban if a European study finds that there is "widespread demand" from customers.

Her comments came after Philip Davies, a Conservative MP, tabled an amendment in the Commons for compulsory labelling of meat. His amendment was defeated by 281 votes to 17.

The vote came after disclosures that diners have been unknowingly served halal chicken in Pizza Express and other restaurants. Halal meat is also served at a series of other restaurants and food outlets, as well as in schools and restaurants.

Mrs Willott said that while the government is not prepared to introduce compulsory labelling "at this stage", it could do so in future.

She said: "If there is to be compulsory labelling it would be best done at a European level, which would be best for consumers and also ensure that we do not put our food industry at a competitive disadvantage as well.

"My hon friend said there is widespread customer demand. There is currently an EU study being undertaken on this issue, looking precisely at that question. We are waiting with interest for that study to be published so that we can have full information on what consumers want and we will then review all of our options at that point."

Mr Davies, who worked at Asda for 12 years, said supermarkets are reluctant to label halal meat because they find it "inconvenient", citing figures showing that while Muslim's make up a small proportion of the population a quarter of meat sold in Britain is halal.

He also quoted recent comments by Dr Taj Harjey, of the Muslim Educational Centre in Oxford, who said halal meat is "covert religious extremism and creeping Islamic fundamentalism making its way into Britain by the back door".

He said: "As a strong believer in freedom of choice, I think one of the fundamental rights of the consumer is to know what they're purchasing.

"And when I spent 12 years before I entered this House working for Asda, some of the supermarkets are reluctant to do anything about it.

"And the reason why, quite simply, is because it's very inconvenient for them to go through the food chain to actually provide the labelling.

"It's not about what's most convenient for them. I don't care about that. They should be delivering what their customers want and there's no doubt this is what customers want to see."

The vote came after the British Veterinary Association warned that labelling meat as halal or kosher could cause confusion and inflame prejudice.

The BVA appealed instead for consumers to be informed whether or not animals had been stunned before being killed by whatever method, insisting the controversy had nothing to do with religion.

In an open letter to the three main party leaders, Robin Hargreaves, President of the BVA, said: "Recent media coverage has also revealed a very strong feeling amongst the general public for better labelling about the provenance of food they are buying and eating. We very much hope you will listen to this sentiment and take forward the debate about clearer food labelling."

Source:http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/agriculture/food/10828907/Halal-meat-row-Ministers-will-consider-labelling-if-there-is-widespread-demand.html

Pork replaced by Halal Meat at 185 Subways across the UK and Ireland

       Ham and bacon has been taken off the menu 185 Subways across the UK and Ireland

None of the 185 branches of Subway across the UK and Ireland that now sell halal-only meat are in Lincolnshire.

Ham and bacon has been taken off the menu at these outlets as the sandwich chain said this was 'following strong demand from our Muslim customers'.

Muslims are forbidden from eating meat from pigs and any non-halal food and participating outlets will show a special 'All meats are Halal' sign.

In the halal-only branches ham and bacon has been substituted for turkey ham and rashers.

Currently none of the Subway stores in Lincolnshire are halal and it is the choice of individual outlets whether or not to be. One of the nearest halal only Subways is in Nottingham.

Traditionally halal butchers cut the throats of animals while they are fully conscious. Some halal butchers now practice pre-stunning but this is not permitted by some Islamic scholars.

In Britain, killing an animal while they are fully conscious is illegal, but the law gives special exemption, on religious grounds, to Muslim and Jewish meat producers.

Source: http://www.lincolnshireecho.co.uk/Pork-replaced-halal-185-Subways-UK-Ireland/story-21035395-detail/story.html#ixzz30ui5jG1y

Kuwait to host Gulf Conference on Halal industry and its services next month

KUWAIT, 27th April, 2014 (WAM) -- Kuwait will play host to third Gulf Conference on Halal industry and its services next month.

Titled "Developments in the Halal Industry", the conference will attract a constellation of scholars, thinkers and specialists, according to the Ministry of Awqaf statement.

By hosting this gathering, the Ministry of Awqaf is seeking to focus on, and keep abreast of developments in the Halal industry and to review Halal-related affairs from an Islamic legal and health perspective, Minister of Justice, Awqaf and Islamic Affairs Nayef Al-Ajmi was quoted by the Kuwaiti news agency as saying.

The event is primarily intended to conduct a foundational and Islamic legal review of the fundamental principles, legal canons and edicts related to the Halal industry, cope with developments in the Halal industry and promote investment in the Halal industry, he pointed out.

The minister hoped the conference will come up with concrete recommendations that could contribute to setting out Halal industry controls and rules and to spurring the finding of alternatives to non-Halal services.

Source: http://www.zawya.com/story/Kuwait_to_host_Gulf_Conference_on_Halal_industry_and_its_services_next_month-WAM20140427065030137/

Government Of Canada Improves Labeling Of Halal Food Products

OTTAWA - After extensive industry consultation the Government of Canada has amended the Food and Drug Regulations to provide consumers with more information about how food labelled as halal are made.
Halal claims on food labels, packaging or advertising material must now include the name of the certifying body. This will provide consumers with assurances that the food meets a certifying body's standard and allow them to obtain specific information about the standards the food has met.
This change will also provide consistency for industry and help prevent mislabelling practices and claims regarding halal food products.
This change does not affect food safety. Halal products sold in Canada are still required to meet Canada's stringent food safety standards. These requirements will apply to both domestic and imported products.

Source: http://www.perishablenews.com/index.php?article=0036153

Buffalo meat plan to boost Halal Industry

LAHORE  - Vice Chancellor of University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS), Prof Talat Naseer Pasha, has said that work on a buffalo meat plan is in progress under which country’s Halal meat will be introduced at high level to boost to meat farming.
Talking to APP here on Sunday, he said the growth rate of Halal meat export last year was 34 percent which could be raised to 55 percent which was the highest growth rate in any field of export.
He said that there was no any proper farming for meat in the country and animals were being exported after slaughtering without making pieces. Under the buffalo meat plan, quality Halal meat of calves would be presented at an exhibition to be held next month. All diplomats and businessmen will be invited to the exhibition planned by Punjab Halal Development Agency and UVAS, he added. The financial needs of the plan are being fulfilled by the USAID.
Last year, Pakistan exported red meat worth US$ 120 million which might be increased as the Halal export meat industry is sharply growing in the world, he added.
Responding to a question, he said that establishment of an authentication lab in the country was the need of the hour as worldwide demand for Halal products was sharply increasing.
He said the Halal industry was rapidly growing in the world as its trade volume was $.3 trillion and its 80 percent share was with non-Muslim states.
There is great potential in Pakistan to a take sizeable share in the trade, he added.
He said that setting up of Halal Regulatory Authority which was under consideration by the ministry concerned would give our Halal products an important marketing feature.
Prof. Pasha said that Middle East countries and Iran were big importers of Halal meat and Pakistan being a Muslim country in the region was in a position to export Halal meat to them at low costs as compared to European countries.
He said that UVAS was providing certification facilities thorough its international standard lab which had been accreditation by WHO.

Source: http://www.nation.com.pk/business/21-Apr-2014/buffalo-meat-plan-to-boost-halal-industry

Global Halal Cosmetics and Personal Care Market 2014-2018 - Increase of Muslim Population to Spur Growth

The Global Halal Cosmetics and Personal Care market to grow at a CAGR of 13% to 2018.

One of the major drivers in the market is the growing Muslim population. This increase in the Muslim population has increased the consumption of these products as Muslims are the potential and primary consumers of the products. The major consumers of these products are the APAC region and the MEA region as these are the densely-populated Muslim regions.

The rapid growth in non-Muslim countries offers huge potential for the Global Halal Cosmetics and Personal Care market. Though Halal cosmetics witness huge demand in regions populated by Muslims, a significant contribution is being witnessed from the non-Muslim economies. Currently, Halal cosmetics and personal care products are widely accepted by other communities as they are considered safe, of high quality, and to have been prepared using hygienic procedures. Moreover, the integrity of the cosmetics is maintained during the production process. Hence, there is huge potential for the global market to grow during the forecast period because of the increased acceptance of and demand for the products in the developed non-Muslim countries.

Further, the report states that the certification of products by authentic bodies is a major challenge hindering the growth of the market. Certification issues are generally noticed in products exported by local markets. These certification issues may lead to numerous consumers losing confidence in the products' Halal status and stop purchasing them.

Source: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20140416005532/en/Research-Markets-Global-Halal-Cosmetics-Personal-Care#.U0-ExFWSxOI

Halal vaccines “to be ready in three years”

The world’s first halal vaccines, currently being developed by Saudi Arabia and Malaysia, are expected to be ready in three years, reported the Malaysian news agency Bernama.

An unnamed Saudi corporation is reportedly ready to invest $100 million (72.1 million euros) in collaboration with the Malaysian Industry Development Corporation (HDC) to develop vaccines meant for treating meningitis, hepatitis and meningococcal. Existing vaccines for the three diseases are currently pork-based; pork is forbidden in Islam. The need for meningitis vaccines in particularly is therefore a pressing one, since it is required for those who head to Mecca for the annual Muslim pilgrimage (Hajj).

Local and international health scientists, in coordination with Shariah experts, will be producing the alternative vaccines from animal extracts slaughtered according to Islamic teachings.

“The halal vaccines will help alleviate fears and doubts among Muslims on the integrity of the products,” said the Malaysian minister of international trade and industry.

HDC, established in 2006 to coordinate the overall development of the halal industry, will be working with the Saudi company to set up a production facility for the development of the vaccines at the Enstek Halal Park, Malaysia.

“Pork-free vaccines will be in high demand, not only among Muslims but also non-Muslims. People will go for the alternative once they know about it. After developing these three vaccines, we will continue to produce others,” said Datuk Seri Jamil Bidin, HDC Chief Executive Officer.

The announcement of a three-year time frame for the halal vaccines was made by the Malaysian trade and industry minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed on the opening day of the World Halal Week 2014 (WHW 2014)currently taking place in Kuala Lumpur.

WHW 2014, a Malaysian initiative, runs from April 9 to April 12 and aims to bring together business corporations to negotiate and promote halal production programs around the world.

This year’s WHW has expanded to six halls with 620 booths, an increase of approximately 19.7 per cent in comparison with 2013, according to Bernama.

Sources: http://www.euronews.com/2014/04/10/halal-vaccines-to-be-ready-in-three-years-/

ICD and Emirates Future sign MoU on halal food industry

ABU DHABI, April 10th 2014 (WAM) -- Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, the Islamic Corporation for the Development of the private sector (ICD), a member of the Islamic Development Bank Group, and the Emirates Future (EF) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) has to promote economic development and encourage the flow of investments between Member countries through the creation, expansion and modernisation of institutions and private sector companies.

ICD and EF would like to establish a strategic partnership in order to strengthen the system of food security in the Islamic World and developing the halal food industry in the world. In addition, they aim to improve halal food quality and reliability using the latest food technology, agricultural research and certification systems around the world.

Practically, the parties agreed to develop a plan of joint cooperation to enter new markets, investments insurance and building strategic alliances with the relevant companies in ICD members? countries. Furthermore, ICD will examine the possibility to establish an investment partnership with EF in order to create and manage hubs of manufacturing, packaging, certification and distribution of halal food around the world. The memorandum of understanding included the support of food security and agribusiness fund which ICD is creating with a group of investors in the Gulf region. In addition, the parties will study jointly the possibility of establishing an international company to manufacture and distribute Halal Gelatin.

Mr. Khaled Al-Aboodi, the Chief Executive Officer of ICD, commented, "The cooperation between ICD and EF will rend their activities more effective and useful for the sectors of food security and halal food all over the world. The partners fully realize the multiple benefits that they will gain through this cooperation." H.E Humaid Al Neyadi, Chairman of Emirates Future Group, commented that, "the coordination between the private sector and the international development institutions has a big role in developing the food security sector in the Islamic world and boosting the development of the halal food industry around the world, including the support to overcome the obstacles and ensure the economic feasibility of this sector." He also assured the role of the United Arab Emirates in supporting food security activities worldwide.

The parties agreed to meet after the signing of this memorandum in order to develop a detailed road map for the implementation of this cooperation framework.


Sources: https://www.zawya.com/story/ICD_and_Emirates_Future_sign_MoU_on_halal_food_industry-WAM20140410150029744/