LAHORE: In order to promote ‘halal’ certification in food, pharmaceutical and cosmetics industry through research, education and advocacy, the University of Health Sciences (UHS) and Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America (IFANCA) inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Monday.

Signed by UHS Vice Chancellor Prof Javed Akram and IFANCA President Dr Muhammad Munir Chaudhry, the MoU envisages exchange of scientific and instructional, research and extension publications, samples and educational materials. It would also provide UHS students with an opportunity of training in the process of halal certification besides developing joint research projects.

IFANCA country head Dr Javaid Aziz Awan, Gambia University’s Vice Chancellor Dr Faqir Mohammad and senior faculty members besides representatives of Pakistan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association and Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry were present on the occasion.

After the signing ceremony, IFANCA President Dr Muhammad Munir Chaudhry said as the halal industry continued to grow into the mainstream market the world over, it would experience growth beyond its traditional confines. He said the objective of his organisation was to provide halal solution to consumers.

He said halal certification was required to produce acceptable food and consumable products for consumers.

According to the IFANCA president, the growing global market for halal certified products is estimated at 1.6 billion Muslims as well as others who choose to eat and use halal products.

Prof Javed Akram said the market for halal cosmetic products was not limited to the Muslim population in the West but was also attracting non-Muslim consumers.

“Halal beauty products symbolise safety, cleanliness, hygiene, and animal byproduct-free products. It also stresses cleanliness during manufacturing, packaging and storage. This is driving its demand in a number of non-Muslim countries, he said.

Published in Dawn, September 11th, 2018