American manufacturers must adhere to stringent labeling laws in the US, including halal standards. But some goods exported to Muslim countries are not strictly halal. According to one source, goods are purchased by exporter consolidators, then labeled halal, even if they are not. One company, Midmar, which exports legitimately halal certified foods to the Middle East, is creating an organization that will contact American food manufacturers and ask them in writing whether their foods are, in fact, halal. Southeast Asia—not the Middle East--is at the forefront of halal regulation. The industry of halal, which represents an estimated $580 billion a year worldwide, is learning from the Kosher industry, according to a Midmar spokesperson.
Source: Yementimes.com
