Iran joins world gelatin manufacturers by launching its first halal pharmaceutical and food gelatin factory in Mashhad, northeast Iran.

Arya Gelatin Factory started its gelatin production line in an inauguration ceremony in the presence of Interior Minister Mostafa Pourmohammadi on Friday.

Initial production capacity is 250 ton annually which will account for half of the countries demand. The facility is pegged to eventually supply all of Iran's needs and begin marketing gelatin in in Islamic countries.

More than 60% of world Gelatin is produced from swine-based materials which is prohibited in Islam.

Gelatin is extracted from the collagen inside domesticated animals' connective tissue and is commonly used in food, pharmaceuticals, photography and cosmetic manufacturing.

MHE/HAR