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THE Malaysia Institute for Supply Chain Innovation (MISCI) plans to commence a new research project into the halal logistics sector given growing demand for such services, and the need for consistency in maintaining certain food handling conditions.

MISCI was formed earlier this year as a joint venture between the Malaysian government and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Centre for Transportation and Logistics in the US.

“We are engaged in discussions with industry partners and seeking to appoint personnel who are active in the halal logistics space,” said Mahender Singh of the MISCI according to London’s Containerisation International. “Our excellence as a world class centre for supply chain education and research, and the fact that Malaysia is a leading country in the halal trade, puts us in a unique position to understand these fast-growing supply chains.”

Mr Singh said halal logistics represents a major opportunity for manufacturers and service providers. “This is at a time when many companies are searching for new growth opportunities around the globe with two billion Muslims,” he said.

One problem with halal food is that companies handling it need to adhere to Sharia law. The report said that traceability of cargo from origin to destination is becoming a critical concern as it offers a means of monitoring contamination during its journey.

It said that 30 per cent of halal trade is expected to involve food items, and according to Sharia law these products must be kept “clean and pure and segregated from non-halal goods”.

Asterisks (*) indicate the most recent revision to these requirements.

Eligible/Ineligible Products

1. Eligible Products
   1. Fresh/frozen meat and meat products.
      1. Beef and beef products shipped on or after July 17, 2009 must be derived from animals less than 30 months of age produced under an approved AMS Export Verification (EV) program. Information about the EV program for United Arab Emirates and a list of EV approved establishments can be obtained from AMS’ Web site.To export beef and beef products to the United Arab Emirates, the applicant must request, from AMS’ ARC Branch, a Statement of Verification (SOV) for each shipment. For more information on obtaining a SOV, access the Export Verification (EV) Programs Additional Requirements page from AMS’ Web site. The unique product identification system can be accessed by authorized FSIS inspection personnel from FSIS’ Intranet site.

         If FSIS inspection personnel become aware of concerns that an AMS approved EV establishment is not properly executing its EV program, export certification should not be issued for the product in question and AMS should be notified at ARCBranch@usda.gov. Inspection personnel should include their immediate supervisor on messages to AMS. The following information should be included in the message:

         • Establishment name, address, and establishment number
         • Product type, product code, and quantity of product
         • Date of production, lot number, and shift
         • Date and nature of observation
         • Name of country product is intended for export
         • Export certificate number (if applicable)
         • Any other information to verify claim
         • Name of inspection official

         Samples intended for the annual Gulfood Show are not subject to the EV program. “Samples for display at the Gulfood Show” should be indicated on the product cartons and in the Remarks section of FSIS 9060-5.

      2. Veal and veal products are not subject to the EV program.
      3. Pork and pork products. Halal certification is not required for pork and pork products. However, general labeling requirements, including production and expiration dates, apply (see Labeling Requirements below).
   2. Fresh/frozen poultry and poultry products.

   Slaughter Requirements

   Ritual: Islamic Halal Slaughter requirements apply.

   Labeling Requirements

   1. All products – Storage temperature must be placed with the refrigeration statement on the label to fully clarify the type of product being handled. (Example: “Keep frozen – store at or below ___ degree C; Keep chilled (or refrigerated) – store between ___ degree C and ____ degree C. ”
   2. Fresh/frozen meat and poultry. In addition to the labeling features mandatory in the United States, precut and packaged meat and poultry must include the following features (in print):
      1. Production (slaughtering or freezing) and expiration dates.
         1. Date format requirements for UAE must conform to the following: Day/Month/Year for products with a shelf life of three (3) months or less and Month/Year for products with a shelf life of more than three (3) months.
         2. The expiration date must be calculated from the date the product was frozen.*
         3. Exception: The UAE permits expiration dates on bagged poultry to be printed on adhesive tape wrapped around metal clip area.
      2. Statement that product has been slaughtered according to Islamic principles. (Note: The UAE does not require reference to Islamic slaughter on consumer packages, but exporters should be aware that such product would have limited distribution.)
      3. Shelf life of Product. Shelf life limits have been determined for chilled vacuum packaged meat, and fresh and chilled other meat/poultry products. Fast spoiling foods with a shelf-life not exceeding 3 months must have complete date stated on the label (day/month/year).*
      4. Country of origin.
      5. Metric net weight labeling is required.
      6. Alcoholic materials and species of animal fats, gelatin, food additives and blood must be declared on label when product contains such materials.
   3. The following methods of labeling are alternatives to meeting the requirements for labeling packaged fresh/frozen meat and poultry:
      1. Arabic sticker may be used but must not obliterate label terminology and be self-destructive on removal. Stick-on labels covering required label features are not permitted.*
      2. Inserts, if used, must be accompanied by production and expiration dates. Inserts must be made of approved materials.
   4. Canned Goods – Expiration and production dates must be preprinted on the labels or on the bottom of the cans.

   Documentation Requirements

   1. Obtain FSIS Form 9060-5. All FSIS Form 9060-5 certificates must be dated and have the signature and title of an FSIS veterinarian.For all poultry and poultry products, the following statement must be included in the Remarks section of FSIS 9060-5: “There have been no outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1 subtype) involving commercial poultry in the zone of origin in the 3 months prior to slaughter.”
   2. Ritual Slaughter – Islamic Slaughter Certification, in addition to FSIS certification, is required. The exporter must obtain a Certificate of Islamic (Halal) Slaughter from a member of an Islamic Center or Islamic organization. A certificate of Islamic Slaughter is a certificate issued by a member of a Moslem organization recognized by the importing country to provide this service; the certificate states that animals were slaughtered according to Moslem religious requirements. The certificate must accompany products labeled “Halal.” The certificate must be endorsed by the United Arab Emirates Embassy or Consulate. The contact information for accredited Islamic Centers and Islamic Organizations is listed below.*
   3. Halal certification will be requird for the following products:*
      1. On fresh/frozen unprocessed product, Halal label claims must be accompanied by an appropriate Halal certificate or a written assurance from the exporter that an appropriate Halal certificate will be supplied to accompany that shipment before it reaches its destination.
      2. On processed products with Halal label claims, raw materials used must be accompanied by an appropriate Halal certificate.
      3. For cooked poultry and cooked poultry products, the export certificate must state that the product has been heated to 72° C.

   Handling/Storage Requirements

   1. The United Arab Emirates requires that instructions for consumers concerning storage, preparation and other special handling requirements accompany all shipments. These instructions should be addressed to the UAE Municipality.

   Other Requirements

   1. Expiration Period
      1. The United Arab Emirates, as per revised and updated Gulf Standard 150/2007 for Shelf Life Standard, recommends 12 months shelf life for frozen meat and poultry.*
      2. Chilled vacuum-packed meat/poultry has an expiration period of 3 months.
      3. The shelf-life (expiration period) for other meat/poultry is defined by the product. Please consult the importer for the recommended shelf life of product ordered.

   Plants Eligible to Export

   All Federally inspected establishments are eligible to export to the UAE. However, beef products must originate from AMS EV approved establishments. If products are to be labeled “HALAL”, the plant must be able to accommodate the Islamic requirements.

   Approved Islamic Halal Certifiers in the U.S.

   The following U.S.-based Islamic organizations have been approved as Halal certifiers for exports of meat and foods containing meat and animal products to the United Arab Emirates. The UAE typically requires foreign certifiers to undergo a visit by UAE authorities and a review of certification procedures and staffing as part of the approval process. All U.S.-based Islamic Halal certifiers listed below are approved by the UAE for nationwide certification.

   1. Halal Transactions of Omaha
      P.O. Box 4546
      Omaha, NE 68104 USA
      Tel: (402) 572-6120
      Cell:  (402) 659 8191
      Fax: (402) 572-4020
      E-mail: halal2eat@hotmail.com
      Rep: Dr. Ahmed Al-Absy, President
   2. Islamic Services of America
      P.O. Box 521
      Cedar Rapids, IA 52406 USA
      Tel: (319) 362-0480
      Fax: (319) 366-4369
      E-mail: islamicservices@isaiowa.org
      Rep: Haj. Riad A. Jammal
   3. International Institute of Islamic Thought
      500 Grove Street, VA 20170 USA
      Tel: (703) 471-1133
      Fax: (703) 471-3922
      E-mail: barzenji@iiit.org; iiit@iiit.org
      Contact: Dr. Jamal Barzinji, Vice President
   4. Islamic Society of the Washington Area
      1712 Eye Street, N.W. # 602
      Washington, D.C. 20006
      Tel: 202/ 457-1910
      Fax: 301/ 384-2975
      E-mail: ICFHC@hotmail.com; icfhc@tmo.blackberry.neta
      Contact: Mr. Habib Ghanim
   5. Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America (IFANCA)
      5901 N. Cicero Ave.,
      Suite 309 Chicago, IL 60646
      HQ: 773-283-3708 (x-224)
      Research Ctr: 847 993 0034 (x-203)
      Fax: +1-773-283-3973
      E-mail: m.chaudry@ifanca.org
      Contact: Mr. Muhammad Chaudry

   For assistance in locating the nearest UAE Consulate, contact:

   The Embassy of the United Arab Emirates
   1255 22nd Street, N.W., Suite 700
   Washington, D.C. 20037
   Ph: (202) 955-7999
   Fax: (202) 337-7029

Scientific Report on the Bleeding of Lambs during Halal Slaughter is released.

A scientific report entitled ‘The Bleeding of Slaughtered Lambs for the Purposes of Halal Slaughter’ has been released. The document reviews the effect of different slaughter practices on the bleeding of lambs at slaughter.  It makes up part of a postgraduate dissertation submitted by Mr Rizvan Khalid for his MSc in Meat Science and Technology from the University of Bristol.

Mr Khalid has encountered many Islamic scholars raising a plethora of questions in relation to the halal slaughter of animals.  He feels this is an area in which research by Muslims in the field is crucial, as reliable research addressing such questions provides scholars with the knowledge on which to base sound opinions. One such question raised has been in relation to bleeding after slaughter of animals, and whether or not it is compromised by any form of stunning. He decided to make this the focus of his research by studying the impact of electrical head-only stunning of lambs on bleeding.

The research includes a study of relevant Qur’anic ayats and Ahadith from those that Mr Khalid had previously drawn together.  This was conducted alongside continuous discussion with and ongoing review by Islamic scholars.  It is important to note that all Qur’anic verses and Ahadith have been referenced in the report so that they may be critiqued by Islamic scholars.  It is also acknowledged that differences of opinion will nonetheless remain but these must be valid and linked to Islamic scripture.

Mr Khalid believes that scientific knowledge is required alongside religious context before informed discussions can begin. The report is divided into sections including what happens on exsanguination of lamb (the process by which blood is released from the animal), what factors affect this, what Islamic scripture says in relation to blood and what the common conceptions are about blood in meat.

The report can be downloaded here. Any queries in relation to the report can be emailed to rizvan@euroqualitylambs.co.uk.

Biography

Mr Rizvan Khalid is director of Euro Quality Lambs Ltd – a family owned business and the largest Muslim-owned lamb slaughterhouse in Europe.  A Chartered Accountant by profession, he received the Maurice Ingram Memorial Prize – awarded to the student with the highest marks – upon completing his  MSc in Meat Science & Technology from the University of Bristol.  He now actively encourages other Muslims to pursue studies in this field, particularly Islamic scholars, to acquire technical knowledge on the issues that affect Halal meat production.

Global Arab Network – By Mehrunisa Qayyum and Ramah Kudaimi

In August  2011 the Abu Dhabi Gallup Center released a report in which the key  finding was that Muslim Americans are among the most integrated and  successful citizens in  the United States. To accompany these statistics, personal stories  highlight how, unlike first-generation immigrants who tended focused  their activism on fundraising for the development of their countries  back home, second-generation Muslim Americans are dedicating their time  instead to resolving domestic problems and engaging in interfaith  dialogue. Our focus is on our current homeland – the United States.

One  missing aspect of the current Muslim American narrative is this  contribution, by Muslims, to civic engagement such as community service,  political activity, service-learning, activism and advocacy in the  United States. Instead of concentrating on what Muslim Americans think,  as many polls and think tanks currently do, focusing on what they  actually do will go a lot further in changing the misconceptions that  Muslims are not contributing members of American society and instead a  group to be feared or marginalised.

Such misperceptions are what  lead to the Park 51 controversy in Manhattan in the summer of 2010 or  the anti-sharia hysteria which has gripped many states and has kept  Muslims in a negative media spotlight.

In a survey by PITAPOLICY,  a blog that focuses on the political economy of the Middle East and  North Africa, 75 Muslim Americans between the ages of 18 and 50 across  the United States were polled. Several respondents, at least 15 per  cent, stated they have felt victimised or stereotyped during the past  few years.

“Recently, I am somewhat hesitant to tell people I am  Muslim,” someone wrote. Another common response was, “Why are they  doing this to us?” highlighting the concern over the treatment of Muslim  Americans especially in regards to civil rights.

At the same  time though, the constant negative attention paid to their religion is  pushing Muslim Americans towards civic engagement. We found that 84 per  cent of Muslim Americans engage in civic matters such as community  service. As one respondent put it, “I feel driven to counter  stereotypes.” More than 95 per cent see the positive impact of their  professional work, volunteerism and outreach efforts in the arena of  civic engagement, and more than 75 per cent of respondents are engaged  in some sort of community organising.

When we asked people we  polled to identify organisations they worked with as volunteers, interns  or professionals since completing high school, many listed fraternities  or sororities and professional organisations, such as Habitat for  Humanity and Big Brothers/Big Sisters, and local organisations such as  hospitals and social service agencies. While organisations which  primarily serve Muslims, such as the Islamic Society of North America,  were also listed, they were greatly outnumbered by groups which serve a  wider range of Americans.

The Inner-City Muslim Action Network  (IMAN) in Chicago, for example, is a community-based non-profit that has  been working on social justice for all since 1995 by offering a free  health clinic and cultivating the arts in urban communities through  community cafes and music festivals.

Chicago Public Radio  selected Rami Nashashibi, IMAN’s Executive Director, as one of the  city’s “Top Ten Chicago Global Visionaries”.

And in March 2009  Asma Uddin launched the website Altmuslimah.com, which explores gender  in Islam by providing a platform for intra- and inter-community dialogue  on a wide variety of gender-related issues. Essentially, this online  magazine, Asma explains, serves as public space media where people with  similar opinions, from different or similar backgrounds, meet.  Altmuslimah has succeeded in highlighting women of all backgrounds as  political change-makers. Altmuslimah has also inspired a similar gender  advocacy project from a Christian perspective: Altcatholicah.com.

Muslim  Americans are carrying their civic engagement spirit into the private  sector as well. Social entrepreneurs Khaled Beydoun and Hamada Zahawi  combined their public defender and corporate attorney backgrounds and  founded Write Track Admissions, a company that helps high school  students develop compelling applications to colleges and universities.  And more recently Beydoun and Zahawi have been offering free workshops  to students from lower income and ethnic minority backgrounds to  strengthen their chances of being accepted for higher education  programmes.

These contributions support the conclusion in the  Abu Dhabi Gallup report that Muslim Americans are “most optimistic”  about their community’s improvement compared to other American groups.

And  regardless of the results of various polls, organisations like IMAN,  Altmuslimah and Write Track are rewriting the Muslim American narrative  to include Muslim social entrepreneurs who inspire and mentor all  Americans – regardless of religious or ethnic background.

Global Arab Network

*  Mehrunisa Qayyum worked for the US Government Accountability Office for  four years before becoming an international development consultant and  Founder of PITAPOLICY Consulting and blog. Ramah Kudaimi is an MA  candidate in conflict resolution at Georgetown University. Follow her at  www.twitter.com/ramahkudaimi. This article was written for the Common  Ground News Service (CGNews).

American Muslim Consumer Conference: 29th October 2011, Hyatt Regency, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA

HalalFocus interviews Hans C. Kastensmith (HCK), chairman and CEO, InstantLabs a machine they have designed called the Hunter RT PCR that can enable food producers to test products themselves for traces of porcine DNA. This will be a cost effective way for food producers to get results in the same day at their own facility. It will also be of use to Halal certifiers that may not have access to the labs and testing facilities necessary in modern food production, to guarantee Halal food is not contaminated with pork DNA in the production line

HF: Tell me about the Hunter.  Why did you apply Real Time PCR (qPCR) to the food safety sector?

HCK: First, the founders of InstantLabs have decades of experience in healthcare.  Although RT-PCR has important role in treating patients, InstantLabs wanted to prevent people from getting sick in the first place.  The same advantage that RT-PCR brings to medicine; rapid accurate identification of pathogens, can also be brought to food safety.  No longer do you have to wait days for an answer; now results can be ready in hours.

Food producers want to ensure a safe and healthy food supply.  There is growing public awareness about food safety as well as about healthy and nutritious foods.  Food-borne illness kills thousands per year.

There are many approaches to food testing, and all the current methods have trade-offs:  Immunoassay tests are inexpensive and fast, but are not very accurate; culture plates are accurate but take days for results; and traditional qPCR is fast and accurate but is expensive and requires a high level of skill to operate.

So the ideal food safety test would have the following characteristics:

-reduce the complexity of the test;

-simplify the sample enrichment process;

-automate or eliminate the DNA acquisition phase;

-provide a flexible platform that could start tests on demand;

-tailor the testing to industry needs;

-maintain the ‘gold standard’ accuracy of qPCR.

Hunter, the InstantLabs qPCR machine, has been designed for ease of use and for delivering results at the point of need.  So now food producers can test their own products and have the results the same day, and not have to wait for results while the food is warehoused.

InstantLabs has developed tests for the food safety market – Salmonella species, Salmonella Enteritidis, Salmonella typhimurium, E Coli 0157 H7 (along with the EAE gene and the STEC-producing variants), and Listeria Monocytogenes.  We only recently developed a Pork DNA test, which actually is much simpler and shorter (two hours) compared to the pathogen tests.

HF: So how are you applying this to Halal testing?

HCK: Just as hazard reduction procedures (good sanitation, worker training, cleanliness, etc.) are the most important items in food safety, proper respect and procedures around producing Halal food remain the cornerstone.  However, we now have a way to validate that all proper procedures related to pork contamination have been followed.

Real-Time PCR can detect tiny amounts of porcine contamination.  This contamination may not be the result of malfeasance.  We have found porcine DNA in a surprising array of products that have innocently gone undetected.  For example, the lubricant for food processing machinery is often animal-based and sometimes pork based.  These lubricants can enter the food supply.

In our travels around the Middle East and Southeast Asia there is a growing demand for increased food safety, as in the rest of the world.  Added to that is the desire to be Halal certified.  And since qPCR is a DNA-based method, we decided to develop a pork DNA test which can, in two hours, detect the presence/absence of pork in food products.  We are excited about this test because it represents an introduction of scientific certainty into the Halal process.  Of course this is only part of the Halal certification process, but the accuracy of RT PCR means that if there is pork present in the same, we will detect it.  Introduction of the Hunter system into the Halal certification process also establishes a known standard of testing, since people in the field regard it as the ‘gold standard’ of testing.

HF:  But Halal applies to more than food.  What about testing other items?

HCK: InstantLabs is currently testing food only and using our pork DNA test to see if meats or other foods contain traces of pork.  Frequently we find traces of pork DNA in the lubricants used in the machines that cut or grind or package the Halal foods.  We have done limited testing on cosmetics and have also had positive results.  We want to develop some other tests, which will not be qPCR tests, to detect alcohol and other items which might be considered haram, or forbidden, by the Muslim consumer.

HF:  How has the Muslim community reacted to the introduction of the Hunter?

HCK: With a few exceptions, the reaction has been overwhelmingly positive.  Most Halal certifiers or Muslim consumer groups welcome a new scientific standard into the certification process.  So we have had great interest not only from certifiers in the U.S. but in Southeast Asia, Canada and the UK.

HF:  How can readers get more information on the Hunter?

HCK: Anyone interested in learning more about the Hunter is welcome to contact Ross Newland, rnewland@instantlabs.com.  Please also take a look at our website (www.instantlabs.com). InstantLabs will have a booth at the Halal & Healthy Show in Istanbul on the 13-16 October 2011, where we hope to meet with international Halal certifiers as well as food producers.

Ross Newland will also be attending the American Muslim Consumer Conference on the 29th October 2012 at the Hyatt Regency in New Brunswick, New Jersey.

HF:  How large is the Hunter RT PCR machine?

HCK: The Hunter weighs only 8 kilos and has its own IP address, so it can be networked over the Internet.

May 2010 marked a turning point for Ogilvy & Mather as Ogilvy Noor, the world’s first Islamic Branding consultancy, was formed to provide research particularly focusing on the global Muslim population.

In mid 2011, Ogilvy Noor undertook a large multi-country research on the Muslim consumers around the world while undercovering their habits and views on faith. The research provided some insight into the feelings, emotions and aspirations that guide the Muslim youth across the globe. The findings are quite astounding.

In response to the events unfolding across the Middle East and article called “The Future Rises in the Middle East” was written by Nazia Hussain, Head of Strategy at Ogilvy Noor along with Simin Radmanesh and Tanya Dernaika, Consultants at Ogilvy Noor.

Here’s what we can take away from the article:

• Muslim countries in particular from the Middle East and North Africa, are demographically younger (at least two third of the regions population are under 25)

• The younger generation (under 30) referred to as ‘Futurists’, represent a consumer population with a different mind-set from the older generation referred to as ‘Traditionalists’. Although they form a smaller proportion of our segmentation, the Futurists still have a stronger influence in the consumer market

• The older generation can be referred to as ‘Traditionalist’. They represent a larger proportion of the Muslim consumer market but are becoming less influential for several reasons

• Both remain strong in their sense of identity and proud to be Muslim

• The Futurists desire change and they are fearless in challenging the status quo

• While the need for safety and belonging remain a high priority for Traditionalists, the Futurists adapt a more progressive and flexible approach towards Islam

• There is a new dialogue emerging among Futurists. Corruption and the lack of an organised leadership are the predominant issues facing the Middle Eastern countries. As a result, many activists are using social media as a medium to express their dissent. There has been an increase in activities such as blogging, tweeting and updating statuses and news for the rest of the world to see

• According to the article, this form of protesting embodies a new definition of leadership. One that is more consultative and transparent, self created out of the world that they live in. “it poses a new definition of leadership, founded on a democratic vision, that stands in clear opposition to the dictatorships they have grown up in the shadow of.”

In summary, the Futurists have the power to shape their nation’s future in their own hands and through this digital revolution referred to as the ‘revolution 2.0’. Although the web is a powerful medium for activism because of its ability to foster active participation and citizen journalism, it’s important not to over-credit the media while neglecting the underlying message. The true drivers of change are people…not so much the tools they use.

This is just a snapshot of the article. You can view the full version in PDF format here:
http://www.ogilvynoor.com/pdf/The%20Future%20Rises%20in%20the%20Middle%20East.pdf

AMCC attendees will get a special summary presentation of the study findings.  The full study will also be available at a special rate only for registered attendees.

This ground-breaking study will for the first time look at the state of business activity addressing American Muslim needs and show consumer perception of key brands on US halal food, finance, travel and select other sectors.  The study will also highlight American Muslim consumers un-met lifestyle needs.

The key questions this study will reveal:

1. How is the Muslim demographic different across populations centers?
2. Which are the major businesses and brands catering to American Muslims (halal food, finance, travel, fashion, media and other sectors)?  How do different brands compare?
3. What is the brands image with consumers (food & finance)?
4. What are the key influencing factors for purchase (channels, product attributes, services etc.)?
5. What are the major latent needs of American Muslims not being met?

The study will be based on a nationwide grass-roots consumer survey across the major population centers and supplemented by DinarStandard’s market research and analysis.