|
|
|
Last Updated: Jun 25th, 2007 - 17:07:26 |
Mumtaz wins NHS contract for halal baby food range
Ian Briggs
Babies in hospitals across the UK are being offered an alternative to mainstream food for youngsters thanks to a Yorkshire-based Asian food specialist.
Mumtaz Food Industries has won a contract with the National Health Service to become the exclusive supplier of halal baby food to the UK's hospitals.
The Bradford-based company, run by restaurant entrepreneur Mumtaz Khan, who owns the Mumtaz curry restaurant in the city, is hoping for an influx of NHS orders following the rolling contract win.
Halal baby food is being distributed to individual hospitals as and when they are requested.
Mumtaz won the contract after a number of NHS authorities and trusts said they wanted an alternative to the pre-prepared baby food presently available. Interest in Mumtaz Baby Food is particularly high in maternity and paediatric units as it offers Muslim babies food with high enough protein content that conforms to their religion.
Meat that is not slaughtered in the correct halal way is classed as a forbidden food for a Muslim so babies are often fed a diet of vegetables.
The baby food is also seen as a good source of protein for all youngsters, irrespective of religion.
Since its launch last summer the Mumtaz Baby Food range has been stocked by retailers including Tesco, Boots, Asda and Wm Morrison, alongside Mumtaz's other branded products.
The range, which is manufactured in Spain, has also proved successful in France and the Middle East.
Rab Nawaz, a Mumtaz director and brother of Mr Khan, said: "The high meat content means that there is, in turn, a high iron content which is crucial in the development of babies.
"Muslim babies are especially prone to a deficiency of iron in their diet due to a lack of a halal option which meant their mums turned to vegetarian meals and desserts instead.
"The NHS has seen the value and demand within its hospitals for the range and we're proud to work with them to deliver the substantial health benefits afforded by halal baby food to babies."
Mr Nawaz claimed Mumtaz Baby Food had a meat content 20 per cent higher than a number of leading brands.
He added that further products would be added to the range in the coming months.
Top of Page
|
|
|
|
|
