Enforcing Halal Laws in New York: The Halal Foods Protection Act

Halal Certification Mandates in New York State

The history of Halal laws in the United States dates back to the 1970s when Muslim Americans began organizing mosques. The first state to enact a Halal law was New Jersey in 2000, followed by other states like New York, which enacted similar laws to protect consumers and ensure the authenticity of Halal food sold in their respective states. In 2005, New York passed the Halal Foods Protection Act to regulate the sale of Halal food in the state.

The Halal Foods Protection Act requires all food labeled as Halal to meet specific standards and be certified by a recognized Halal certifying agency or organization. Businesses that sell Halal products must obtain Halal certification from a recognized agency to comply with the law. Halal Watch World, based out of Albany, New York, is recognized by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets as a registered Halal certification authority in the state. They offer a comprehensive certification process that ensures products meet the standards set by the Halal Foods Protection Act. Halal Watch World is accredited by many recognized Halal organizations and offers certification services at a reasonable cost.

Businesses that sell Halal products must comply with the Halal Foods Protection Act to avoid facing significant fines. According to § 201-h. Notice of violation, under section 6, failure to comply, businesses can face fines of up to $10,000 per violation. This means that if a company sells products as Halal without certification, they will face severe fines.

Companies may receive a letter from the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets to register as a food establishment. This registration ensures that the department has up-to-date information on the business, including its location and products sold.

If your business receives a letter to register, Halal Watch World's compliance department can assist you in the registration process. You can contact them at 877-425-2599 or visit their website at www.halalwatchworld.org to get started.

Example Letter Head

Enforcing the Halal Foods Protection Act is critical to maintaining the integrity of Halal food and protecting consumers from fraudulent activity. By complying with New York State law and obtaining Halal certification from a recognized agency like Halal Watch World, businesses can ensure that their products are genuine and meet the standards set by the Halal Foods Protection Act. The Kosher and Halal Law Enforcement Program plays a crucial role in ensuring that businesses comply with the law and protect the rights of religious groups regarding their dietary restrictions.