Lincoln, Nebraska, Nov. 9, 2006 - A delegation of five scientists from the Moroccan Department of Agriculture, Rural Development and Fisheries visited the University of Nebraska in Lincoln for a two week training course in food safety and hygiene. While the group received class room type training in various aspects of meat processing, it also get broader exposure to the meat industry in the USA. Dr. Muhammad Chaudry, president of the Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America, was invited to present a lecture about Monitoring and Enforcement of Halal Meat and Food Products in the USA.

During the three hour presentation, Dr. Chaudry covered all aspects of Halal processing and certification. The delegates were enthusiastically involved in the subject matter and asked very pertinent questions. "American meat industry is a service oriented business and is willing to meet the needs and requirements of the importing countries", said Dr. Chaudry.

The delegation along with Professors Dennis Burson and H. Thippareddi of the University of Nebraska, Dr. Muhammad Chaudry, and Professor Regenstein visited two beef slaughtering and processing plants, O'Neill packing and Greater Omaha Packing. IFANCA has certified some of the beef at O'Neill Packing that is produced without resorting to stunning the animals.

"Information obtained during this trip will be used in comparing and revising the food safety procedures in our country", said Dr. Soumia El Hajji, Veterinary Medicine Inspector and leader of the delegation.

Chicago, Illinois, Nov 30th, 2006 - A delegation of more than 50 Malaysian companies and senior government officials, led by Malaysia's Minister of International Trade & Industry, Rafidah Aziz met in Chicago to seek business alliances with Illinois companies. In conjunction with this, a Malaysian Business Conference was held on Thursday, November 30, 2006 at the Hyatt Regency O'Hare. Zeshan Sadek was amongst those attending the conference.

Malaysia's attempts to consolidate its position as a hub for distribution of halal products has, this month, also received support from Rotterdam Port, the only port in Europe with halal certification. The Dutch Port will be working with Port Klang to further distribution of Halal goods to European Muslim markets.

Spicy Mediterranean Pita Chips, Mini Plain Bagel Chips, and the Baked Original Bagel Chip Mix are IFANCA certified, premium deli snack products. In 1978, Jim Burns and Gary Ricker, who ran a gourmet cheese shop in New Jersey, served cheese samples on crackers. One day, they realized they could toast leftover bagels and use them to sample their cheeses. Soon after, customers began asking if they could buy the toasted leftover bagels instead of the cheese. Bagel Chips were born!

Bagel Chips became very popular in the area, and in 1985, New York Style® brand bagel chips were introduced. Consumers quickly began to associate the New York Style brand with the warmth associated with New York City's traditional neighborhood bakeries. That authenticity and quality has made New York Style bagel chips to be America's favorite!

Today, New York Style is part of the Nonni's Food Company, and products are available at local grocery retailers, mass merchandisers, membership club outlets, through vending, and in many of your favorite restaurants. For more information visit www.newyorkstyle.com or www.nonnisfoods.com.

New York Style Pita and Bagel Chips are perfect with dips and spreads like "Easy Guacamole" below or straight out of the bag. They can also be used in other recipes like "Citrus Shrimp Canapes".

Here are a couple of recipes you might try:

Easy Guacamole Dip

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 16

2 large ripe avocados, pitted, peeled, chopped
1 Tbsp. lime juice
1/3 c. plum tomato, chopped (1 tomato)
1 Tbsp. cilantro, chopped
¼ tsp. salt
Dash of cayenne pepper

1. In medium bowl, mix all ingredients except chips.

    

2. Serve with IFANCA certified New York Style Spicy Mediterranean Pita Chips and Mini Plain Bagel Chips.

Citrus Shrimp Canapes

Preparation Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 24

1/3 c. olive or vegetable oil
1 tbsp. lemon juice
1 tbsp. honey
2 tsp. lime peel, grated
¼ tsp. salt
24 uncooked medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
3 tbsp. butter or margarine, softened
1 tbsp. orange marmalade
IFANCA certified New York Style Spicy Mediterranean Pita Chips and Mini Plain Bagel Chips

1. In medium bowl, mix oil, lemon juice, honey, lime peel and salt. Add shrimp; toss and coat. Cover and refrigerate at least 30 minutes but no longer than 2 hours, stirring once after half the time.

    

2. Meanwhile, set oven control to broil. In small bowl, stir butter and marmalade until well mixed. Spread butter over IFANCA certified New York Style Spicy Mediterranean Pita Chip and Mini Plain Bagel Chip.

    

3. Remove shrimp from marinade; discard marinade. On rack in broiler pan, place shrimp in single layer. Broil with tops 4 to 6 inches from heat for 4 to 6 minutes or until shrimp are lightly browned.

    

4. Place 1 shrimp on each IFANCA certified New York Style Spicy Mediterranean Pita Chip and Mini Plain Bagel Chip.

Delicious Big Train drink mixes are IFANCA certified! With a wide variety of Blended Ice Coffee mixes, as well as Hot Cocoa, and decadent low-carb favorites, there is a flavor for each season and every taste! Big Train Hot Cocoa is a rich, decadent choice that is perfect for cold winter evenings. Also, try adding less water and swirl into drinks or drizzle over ice cream. For a cool buzz, Big Train's Blended Ice Coffees are a quick and trendy alternative to your morning brew. Simply blend a few scoops with your choice of coffee, milk or water.

Traditional Blended Ice Coffee, 16 oz.

1. Pour 5 oz. of chilled coffee, milk* or water into blender.
2. Add 2 scoops of IFANCA certified Big Train Blended Ice Coffee mix into blender.
3. Add 12 oz. of ice into blender.
4. Blend thoroughly until smooth.

For an Extra Kick:

1. For a strong coffee flavor, use 1 oz. of espresso and 4 oz. of milk or water.
2. Add 1 scoop of hard-packed ice cream/frozen yogurt (or 3 to 4 oz. of soft-serve frozen yogurt), 3 oz. of milk, 2 scoops of IFANCA certified Big Train Blended Ice Coffee mix, and 16 oz. of ice for a great shake drink.

Halal certified products ensure that the ingredients going into products as well as machinery, packaging, storing, and labeling are all checked to make them free from doubt about questionable materials.

What Can You Do?
Always ask the manufacturers about the composition of the products and whether or not they are vegetarian or Halal certified.