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S. A. HUSSAIN, Technical Services, ConAgra Refrigerated Prepared Foods, 2001 Butterfield Rd, Downers Grove, IL 60515

America's Muslim consumers comprise a market segment Kabir, Kathir. The size and stature of this segment is growing faster than you can down a Kuftah and a Shish Kabab. The Number of Muslims in the United States of America is growing three times faster than other minorities, with the exception of Hispanics. It is estimated by the start of the new millennium there will be more than six million Muslims in the United States of America. ConAgra Refrigerated Prepared Foods is interested in serving this Market.

At ConAgra's Butterball Turkey Plants, Halal processing procedures were originally adopted to produce Breakfast strips for the Malaysian market. When "Halal" and similar statements are used on the label, plant management is responsible for making the identity of the Islamic organization available to FSIS inspection personnel. Therefore, ConAgra works closely with the Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America (IFANCA) to ensure that all processes met the proper food processing requirements ConAgra found it easy to follow the improved guidelines. There were similarities in adopting the HACCP and Halal procedures when the company approached them as an attitude. Halal processing procedures were developed from slaughtered turkeys by the Islamic method to the final product packaging and shipping. Standard operating procedures were modified and strengthen with the adoption of Halal processing procedures. After an inspection, IFANCA granted Halal certification to the processing facilities. In addition, IFANCA also granted product certification. ConAgra found that "going Halal" is much like HACCP a position of safety and purity which went beyond compliance with certain hygienic processing standards and a fee.