Food company Mumtaz has signed a major contract with the National Health Service to supply its Halal baby food to hospitals all over the UK.

The Bradford restaurant and food supplier will supply the baby food to hospitals on a supply and demand basis in a six figure deal.

An initial order has already been filled by the company who negotiated the deal following a surge of interest by health authorities up and down the UK.

The baby food range was started 12 months ago and already Morrisons, Tesco, Boots, Asda, Co-op and Lloyds pharmacy are among the big-name retailers selling it.

The product has enjoyed so much success that the Great Horton-based business is now trying to take the product into foreign markets, including France and the Middle East.

Mumtaz director Rab Nawaz 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 are proud to work with them to deliver the substantial health benefits afforded by Halal baby food to babies.

Mumtaz Baby is also committed to other causes such as the Born in Bradford study into infant health which it is a major sponsor of.'' The foods stimulated interest among maternity and paediatric units, keen to offer Muslim and non-Muslim mothers an ethical, Halal alternative pre-prepared baby foods available.

The NHS-wide deal was struck after Mumtaz approached health chiefs directly after enjoying much success with individual hospitals and primary care trusts.