In 2002 Tex-Med Beef Company was founded by Bassam (Sam) Rayes and Les Mallory. The company name was taken from each one's background, Texas and the Mediterranean. Their objective was to bring to the Islamic communities a selection of fresh Halal meats not readily found as well as packaged for the busy consumer. As the company was being incorporated, they were already doing wholesale business with several specialty grocery stores in Houston. The learning curve was a quick one as both Tex-Med partners were soon buying cattle from ranchers and at auctions in Fayette, Lee and Austin counties. They were fortunate to start their blessing and slaughter procedures, according to Sunah teachings, with Jamil Khundkar of JMK Meat Processing. In order to assure the Muslim community that all meat is Halal, Tex-Med established the Texas Halal brand. This assures the community that the requirements as stated in the Quran and explained by the Imams and the community are met. Today, a variety of individuals do the blessing. These individuals come from Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Libya, Morocco, Palestine, Syria, Pakistan and Turkey. Tex-Med has managed to put together a team of different cultures that practice the Islamic faith. Both partners are quick to mention the new State of Texas Statute regarding Halal.   Added on April 27, 2008