The Globe and Mail reports in its Monday, Jan. 15, edition that it is easier than ever to find halal meat, snacks and desserts in grocery stores as the industry expands in response to Canada's growing Muslim population. A Canadian Press dispatch to The Globe reports that Nourish Food Marketing director Salima Jivraj does not expect that growth to slow any time soon. Nearly 5 per cent of Canadians are Muslim, according to the 2021 census, a proportion that has more than doubled since 2001, with immigration as a key driver. Halal Monitoring Authority (HMA) chief operating officer Omar Subedar says, "Because the demand is there, the industry is paying more attention, and as a result there's more products hitting the shelves." The HMA was launched in 2006 to address malpractice and fraud in the halal food industry. It certifies halal-labelled products and monitors the practices of the companies it certifies. Maple Leaf Foods, which produces a variety of meat and other protein products, has seen rising demand for its halal offerings. The company's halal brand, Mina, was launched in 2013 and is certified by the HMA. Maple Leaf's Patrick Lutfy says, "We expect strong growth to continue in the years to come."