IFANCA (Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America)

10/29/2026

Inviting all of you to a special event on Saturday November 7th!

We’re gathering at the Sabeel Center for something really special: an exclusive screening of "Ojalá Supieras" (I Wish You Knew), exploring the untold Islamic history of Mexico! 🎬

We've got a great evening lined up with a full documentary screening, followed by dinner, a book signing, and a live discussion with Dr. Mariam Saada!

🕐Time: 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
📍Location: Sabeel Center, Des Plaines

👉Seats are going fast, so make sure to register today:
🔗https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2003714399708?aff=oddtdtcreator

❗Please note:
You must register to attend.
No children under the age of 12.

Hope to see you there!

10/22/2026

📢 The latest issue of Halal Consumer Magazine is now available!

🤝 Our cover story features a conversation with IFANCA's President & CEO Dr. Muhammad Munir Chaudry and UNICEF USA's President & CEO Michael J. Nyenhuis on the importance of trust, collaboration, and reaching communities around the world to eradicate polio.

🔎 Gelatin Traceability: From Slaughterhouse to Capsule – Follow the journey of gelatin and how traceability helps verify halal ingredients across the supply chain.

🍱 Discover how IFANCA helped expand access to halal-certified meals for military and humanitarian food systems

🕌 Learn about the historical contributions of Muslim pioneers whose discoveries helped shape modern medicine.

🩺 Insulin Resistance and Poor Glycemic Control in South Asians

💉 Understanding the Roots of Vaccine Hesitancy

🍴 Plus, enjoy four recipes from our staff: Çiğ Köfte, Udang Balado, Beef Pasanday, and Lemon Tiramisu!

🔗 Read the full issue: https://ifanca.org/halal-consumer-magazine

We welcome your feedback and comments below!

09/24/2026

It was a pleasure to be part of the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) and visit the Malaysia International Trade & Exhibition Centre (MITEC).

During the event, IFANCA was pleased to sign a Letter of Intent (LOI) with the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), marking an important step toward strengthening collaboration and advancing opportunities within the global halal ecosystem.

Dr. Rafi also gave a presentation about IFANCA on the USDA platform at MITEC, contributing to conversations around the halal industry and international trade.

It was a great opportunity to participate in MIHAS and meet with colleagues and partners from across the industry that support the continued growth of the global halal industry.

09/23/2026

Today at the UN General Assembly (UNGA) High-Level Week in New York, IFANCA joined global leaders, health advocates, and policymakers for the high-level dialogue, "Every Child Is Our Child."

Representing IFANCA, our Director of Halal Market Development, Asma Ahad, contributed to discussions on safeguarding vulnerable populations through cross-sector collaboration, nutritional security, and faith-guided stewardship.

Addressing complex global health and child survival challenges requires shared responsibility and diverse perspectives at every table. We are grateful to the organizers, moderators, and fellow panelists for facilitating such a thoughtful and vital conversation.

09/22/2026

We’re proud to be part of this work and grateful to stand alongside a partner who values our voice, perspective and leadership. Together, we can help build trust and advance solutions that make a lasting difference for children around the world.

UNICEF USA works with U.S.-based faith-inspired organizations, congregations and communities to advance our shared commitment to children worldwide.

09/22/2026

Salam from Malaysia!

We are officially on the ground for the Global Halal Summit (GHaS) 2026.

As we step into this week’s events, we continue our commitment to connect, collaborate, and create impact with stakeholders who share IFANCA’s core mission: expanding global access to halal food for the Muslim community.

If you are attending GHaS 2026 in Putrajaya, let’s connect!

09/22/2026

Reconnecting with old friends, building new bridges. 🤝

That's a wrap on an incredible trip to Indonesia! Our team—Dr. Rafi Shaik, Muhammad Amir Khan, and Graciella Tjahjono—represented IFANCA at the BPJPH event series in Jakarta. We met, we celebrated, and we collaborated with familiar faces who share the same mission IFANCA has driven for nearly five decades.

Next stop: Malaysia!
We are excited to head straight into the Global Halal Summit (GHaS) 2026, taking place from September 22–24.

If you’ll be attending GHaS 2026 in Kuala Lumpur, let’s connect!

09/18/2026

We are proud to share that Asma Ahad, Director of Halal Market Development at IFANCA, will be representing our organization in New York during the UN General Assembly (UNGA) High-Level Week.

As global leaders convene to address critical humanitarian priorities, Asma will be contributing to two vital high-level engagements centered on child survival, global health, and community empowerment:

Every Child Is Our Child: Asma will join fellow panelists to discuss how faith-guided stewardship, cross-sector partnerships, and sustained investment can safeguard our next generation.

High-Level Polio Eradication Event
In addition, Asma will participate in a high-level event focused on the global push to end polio once and for all.

At IFANCA, our mission has always extended beyond certification to promoting holistic well-being, equity, and ethical responsibility worldwide. Meaningful progress requires bringing diverse sectors, from multilateral agencies and governments to faith-based institutions, together in common purpose.

We look forward to Asma’s contributions on these global stages and to advancing actionable solutions for children and families everywhere.

08/14/2026

Today, we celebrate Pakistan’s Independence Day and join Pakistanis around the world in honoring the country’s rich heritage, culture, and contributions.

IFANCA CEO Dr. Muhammad Munir Chaudry attended a flag-hoisting ceremony organized by the Consulate General of Pakistan in Chicago at the Daley Center.

We also celebrated at our IFANCA office in Des Plaines, Illinois, with a special cake-cutting ceremony with our team.

Wishing all Pakistanis a joyful Independence Day filled with pride, peace, prosperity, and hope for a bright future. 💚

08/14/2026

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has proposed a new policy this week that would require manufacturers to notify the FDA when they determine that an ingredient is Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS).

The proposed policy would give the FDA greater visibility into ingredients entering the food supply, expand public access to GRAS notifications, and strengthen FDA oversight of food ingredients. Greater transparency across the food supply chain can help build consumer confidence.

At IFANCA, we welcome efforts that promote greater transparency around food ingredients and how they are used. Consumers deserve clear information that helps them make informed choices about the foods they purchase.

For halal consumers, ingredient transparency is particularly important. While GRAS determinations address food safety, halal certification considers additional factors, including ingredient sources, processing, handling, and manufacturing practices.

HHS is encouraging food manufacturers, ingredient suppliers, researchers, consumer organizations, state regulators, and members of the public to review the proposal and submit public comments through December 9, 2026.

Halal consumers can also share their comments with IFANCA, and we can compile their feedback on their behalf. We encourage halal consumers of all ages to participate and make their voices heard.

👉 Submit your public comment here: https://www.regulations.gov/document/FDA-2025-N-3262-0001