OSAKA, Japan--(BUSINESS WIRE)--NIPPON SHOKUBAI CO., LTD. (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Osaka; President: Masanori Ikeda)(TOKYO:4114)(“NIPPON SHOKUBAI”) has acquired halal certification for its succinic acid, SS50 brand of disodium succinate, fumaric acid and also maleic anhydride, which is used as a raw material to manufacture these products. The certification was granted by the Japan Muslim Association based on tests by the Shariah Research Institute at Takushoku University in Japan.
In Southeast Asia, the consumption of processed foods such as instant noodles is currently growing as eating habits become increasingly diverse. At the same time, there is a growing need for processed food production plants based in the region to acquire halal certification for food additives because of the large population of Muslims in Southeast Asia, especially in Malaysia and Indonesia. Under these circumstances, NIPPON SHOKUBAI has responded to the needs of processed food manufacturers and consumers by acquiring halal certification for its succinic acid, SS50 brand of disodium succinate, and fumaric acid, which are food additives in particularly high demand in Southeast Asia, along with the derivatives of these products and the main raw material used to produce them, maleic anhydride.
NIPPON SHOKUBAI anticipates demand for its succinic acid, SS50 disodium succinate, fumaric acid and to steadily increase owing to their widespread usage in seasonings, pH adjusters, and other applications. Moreover, since few producers of maleic anhydride have acquired halal certification in the past, the Company expects this recent certification to result in greater usage of its maleic anhydride as a raw material for food additives and other items.
Looking ahead, NIPPON SHOKUBAI intends to keep responding to market needs while providing a wide range of products that bring richness and comfort to people and society.
* Halal Certificate
The Halal Certificate is granted to products and services that take into account the religious beliefs of Muslim consumers, if the products and services are confirmed to meet standards set by the Japan Muslim Association and the Shariah Research Institute in Japan.
* succinic acid
Succinic acid is commonly found in the natural world, such as in bivalves, fossils, algae, lichen, and fungi. It is industrially produced by hydrogenating maleic anhydride. Succinic acid is used as a food additive for sake, miso paste, soya sauce, and other food products.
* SS50 disodium succinate
SS50 disodium succinate is industrially produced by neutralizing succinic acid. It is used as a food additive for instant noodles, processed foods, and other food products.
* fumaric acid
Fumaric acid is found in many kinds of plants, and is industrially produced using maleic acid as a raw material. It is highly acidic as a food-use acid, with about one and a half times the acidity of citrus acid. Fumaric acid is used as a food additive for beverages, pastries, and other food products.
