January 7, 2010

New halal meat cultures expand Chr. Hansen's palette of solutions

Chr. Hansen has partnered with the Islamic Food Council of Europe to offer halal certified meat cultures to meat producers.

The Islamic Food Council of Europe is one of the few Halal organisations that are recognised by the Indonesian MUI Council stipulating a set of global rules in terms of halal certification.

"The six cultures in question meet all the requirements as outlined in Muslim dietary rules while providing optimum flavour development, appealing colour and natural protection against food bugs in the final meat product," explains Chr. Hansen marketing director John Jensen.

According to reports, with the global halal food market currently valued at almost US$760 billion, the demand for raw materials and ingredients that can be fully certified as halal is higher than ever before and rapidly growing.

Muslim consumers increasingly expect assurance that food and beverages fully comply with Islamic preparation requirements from the very start of the manufacturing process, creating increased pressure to source ingredients from suppliers that are certified by recognised halal organisations.