oil. Exciting products from new processes such as red palm oil or red palm olein have been introduced as healthy cooking and salad oils. NON - FOOD APPLICATIONS Palm oil products also find wide applications in the non-food sector, especially in the production of soaps and detergents, pharmaceutical products, cosmetics and oleochemical products. Soap production is one of the most important applications of oils and fats, with tallow and coconut oil having been the traditional raw materials. Due to the similarity in their fatty acid composition, palm and palm kernel oil now offer good and competitive alternatives. Fatty acids derived from the splitting process can be used directly in products like candles and cosmetics and in rubber processing. Derivatives of fatty acid include fatty esters (the most important of which is fatty acid methyl ester), fatty alcohols, fatty amines and fatty amides. Fatty esters are used in various industries such as textiles, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and plastics. Although fatty alcohols have limited use, their derivatives - fatty sulphates, fatty alcohol ethoxylates and fatty alcohol ether sulphates - are used extensively in the production of washing and cleaning products. Fatty amines are mainly used in the detergent industry as softening agents, in the mining industry as anti-caking agent, as biocides, and in road building and other applications. An added advantage of using palm oil products in such applications is biodegradability, which contributes towards environmental protection. It is envisaged that, with growing interest in environmental sensitivity and the need for eco-friendly products, palm-based products will gain greater popularity.
4
HALAL PRODUCTS Palm oil offers the assurance of meeting the Halal requirement when used in both food and non-food products. In the preparation of industrial food products, animal fats such as tallow or chicken fats are often used. These products are imported by Muslim countries, but the Halal status of the fats is not easily ascertained. In non-Muslim countries, bread and other food items are often made using lard or non-Halal animal fats. Muslim consumers will have greater confidence in products when palm oil is used and labelled as the fat ingredient. CONCLUSION While many Muslim countries experience shortage in the supply of oils and fats, there is net availability of the commodity in the Muslim world. In particular, excess palm oil from Malaysia could meet the oils and fats requirements of Muslim countries and help reduce food insecurity. The availability of export-import financing tools from the IDB makes this an economically viable option. Palm oil and its fractions are practical and an attractive choice for importers and food manufacturers in Muslim countries due to
price competitiveness, yearround supply, diversity and versatility to suit various edible and non-edible applications. The benefits extend beyond direct financial savings from the lower prices of palm oil products. Countries importing palm oil are able to save on costly cultivation of oilseeds and can instead reserve land for the cultivation of essential food crops, thus ensuring food security in staple crops. Palm oil is as healthy as any other vegetable oil, while being fully Halal for use in both food and non-food products. Muslim countries should take advantage of the ready supply, as this will contribute to overall enhancement of their food security. Increased trade in palm oil will also enhance the well-being of the Muslim brotherhood.
REFERENCES • Berck, P and Bigman, D (1993). The multiple dimensions of the world food problem. In: Food Security and Food Inventories in Developing Countries (Berck, P and Bigman, D, eds.). CAB International, Wallingford, UK. • Mielke, T (2001). The world supply and demand of oils and fats in the current year and early prospects for the season 2001/2002. Paper presented at MPOB Programme Advisory Committee (PAC) Seminars, 5 April 2001, Bandar Baru Bangi, Selangor. • Oil World Annual 2000, ISTA Mielke GmbH, Hamburg, Germany. • Ramli Abdullah (2001). Price scenario in 2000 and prospects in 2001. Palm Oil Developments 34. Malaysian Palm Oil Board (in press). • Stauffer, C E (1996). Fats and Oils, Egan Press, St Paul, Minnesota. • Stryker, J D and Metzel, J C (1998). Meeting the food summit target: The United States contribution. Agricultural Policy Project, Phase III. Research Report hj 1039. USAID Contract No. LAG-C-00-93-00052-00
THE HALAL JOURNAL SUPPLEMENT
HJ sup jan.indd 4
3/12/07 1:30:33 AM