Home » Mind & Soul » Islam in the U.S. » New Jersey Signs Halal Bill Into Law

New Jersey Signs Halal Bill Into Law

©

Two weeks ago, New Jersey Governor Christine Whitman signed into law the Halal Food Consumer Protection Act. The new law aims to curb consumer fraud among food producers and sellers claiming to have halal foods. The legislation is the first of its kind in the United States, requiring butchers and businesses to disclose that they are indeed providing halal food to their customers.

The bill will "prevent consumer fraud in the preparation, distribution and sale of food represented as halal". The Halal Food Consumer Protection Act was sponsored by New Jersey Assemblyman Alfred E. Steele, D-Paterson, along with the strong support of the local Muslim community, and was passed unanimously by the state legislature. The law, which amended the kosher food law, will be enforced by the state Division of Consumer Affairs under the consumer fraud law.

American Muslim leaders praised the New Jersey governor for being the first to sign into law an issue which protects American Muslim consumers. The Halal Food Bill will give New Jersey's estimated 400,000 Muslims more than just trust to go on when faced with questionable halal signs in the windows of grocery stores, butcher shops, and restaurants. It will take added measures to protect Muslim consumers against businesses passing off non-halal meats and products as halal. Violators of the law could be faced on their first offense with a $7,500 fine and a $15,000 fine on their second offense.

The term "halal" means that which Allah and the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) have allowed to be done in a lawful manner. Products that are halal are those slaughtered and prepared in accordance with Islamic dietary laws.

In recent years, the halal industry has been booming as American Muslims are practicing their religion in greater numbers and paying heed to the importance of consuming halal meals in accordance to Islamic laws. In an American Muslim population estimated to number six million, there is a growing need for certified halal products to accommodate the needs of a burgeoning Muslim population who are becoming more demanding and particular about what they consume.

Organizations like the Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America (IFANCA) and the U.S.A. Halal Chamber of Commerce, among others, are working toward global halal labeling of all products and meat. Halal certification is a growing issue and includes an inspection of the production facility, review of sanitation, ingredients and labels, and training of company personnel in understanding and meeting halal requirements. Though federal meat inspection laws do not require the labeling of religious dietary products, those that are misrepresented as "halal" are considered misbranded under federal law.

The copyright of the article New Jersey Signs Halal Bill Into Law in Islam in the U.S. is owned by . Permission to republish New Jersey Signs Halal Bill Into Law in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.