Abbott Recognized as Company of the Year for Global Halal Initiatives

Abbott began the process to become Halal-certified in 2003 in Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore and now implements it in all of its manufacturing plants around the world.

04/11/2011 --- Abbott received the Company of the Year award from the Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America (IFANCA). The award is based on the company's compliance of Halal in its manufacturing practices and its work towards obtaining IFANCA certification globally. Abbott is the first company in the food industry to obtain Halal certification for all of its products that are able to be certified.

Halal is a term used to designate food which is permitted for Muslim consumption. To obtain Halal certification, Abbott rigorously evaluates its product ingredients and manufacturing plants to ensure they are in full compliance with Halal standards. Abbott began the process to become Halal-certified in 2003 in Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore and now implements it in all of its manufacturing plants around the world.

"Abbott implemented many new processes to ensure that as many people as possible could use products such as PediaSure, Similac and Glucerna globally," said Robert Miller, divisional vice president, R&D and Scientific Affairs, Abbott Nutrition. "It is truly an honor to receive this award that also recognizes the collaboration with IFANCA to become Halal-certified."

"Abbott has demonstrated outstanding attention to Halal conformance and execution for more than five years," said Muhammad Munir Chaudry, Ph.D., President of Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America. "This award recognition should reassure Muslims living around the world that Abbott Nutrition products are truly Halal."

Key criteria evaluated by IFANCA for the Company of the Year award include:

Size of corporation and if a global Halal program exists
How long products have been certified Halal
Conformance to Halal standard
Proactive in certification and message positioning in South East Asia markets
Abbott received the Company of the Year award at the 13th International Halal Food Conference in Schaumburg, Ill. Additionally, the company will be featured in the HALAL Digest, the Halal Consumer Magazine, and have a product listing on the IFANCA website.