Sep 17, 2026
Halal-certified products are becoming more mainstream in the United States and Canada as North American Muslims seek out these products. What is changing is that, in addition to Halal certification, American and Canadian Muslim consumers want products that align with their other values as well - health, sustainability, aesthetics, and more. Identities, interests, and consumption patterns differ among younger generations, and manufacturers are responding.
Aug 20, 2026
For over 50 years, ISA has been a leader in Halal certification. Based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, we are a fully accredited, internationally recognized agency serving clients across the United States. We work with our Canadian partner company, Halal Montreal Certification Authority (HMCA), to provide certification and auditing services that support the development of North America as a Halal food production and export hub.
Jul 16, 2026
The debate over machine versus hand slaughter centers on intention: both involve a knife, but in machine slaughter, the operator uses an automated blade with the same intention. Some view this as fulfilling Quranic requirements, while others argue that each animal requires a human-directed act. Concerns arise from scholars unfamiliar with modern technology or from facilities lacking proper training and oversight. At ISA, we provide guidance to ensure all procedures meet Islamic principles and maintain Halal integrity.
Jun 18, 2026
Though sustainability and humane treatment of food animals throughout their lifetime are not encompassed by Halal certification alone, these concerns reflect Islam’s emphasis on reverence and respect for all forms of life and the ecosystems that sustain us. Thus, pairing Halal certification with Organic, Humanely Raised, Regenerative Organic Certified, or other certifications can make products especially attractive to Halal consumers who think holistically about food production and processing.
May 14, 2026
From a Halal perspective, it is important to separate the use of gas for stunning versus slaughtering. There is no debate that slaughtering via the use of gas alone would not be considered Halal, since it prevents completion of Islamic slaughter practices. The debate centers around the question of whether or not the animal is still alive after being rendered unconscious by gas exposure. While this method can be used for mass euthanasia of farm animals in the case of a disease outbreak, CAS prior to other slaughter processes does not kill the animal, and birds still have a heartbeat.
Apr 30, 2026
While it would be nice to believe that all food manufacturers are honest and transparent, this is not always the case. Fake Halal logos have become a growing concern, creating a sense of fear and mistrust among Halal consumers. In some cases, a manufacturer may genuinely believe that their product meets Halal guidelines, but in today’s world of complex ingredients and long supply chains, this does not ensure that the product is truly Halal compliant. Only a thorough audit by an accredited Halal certifier can make this determination.
Apr 17, 2026
In the United States, ‘humane slaughter’ for mammalian food animals including cattle, sheep, and goats is defined by the Humane Methods of Slaughter Act (HMSA), a federal law passed in 1958 in response to public pressure. Halal or Islamic slaughter aligns with the U.S. definition of “humane slaughter” because it ensures a rapid, painless loss of consciousness through the precise severing of major blood vessels—meeting the Humane Methods of Slaughter Act’s religious exemption standard.
Apr 9, 2026
Consumers today are flooded with information - both at the supermarket and online. They sort through tens of thousands of products, making hundreds of micro-decisions based on experience, price, package information, and more. For Halal consumers, a trusted Halal certification logo can be a shortcut to finding the items they need, but too much information can overwhelm and confuse shoppers - leading them to seek other products or simply give up on finding what they need.
Mar 19, 2026
Good news is on the horizon for U.S. Halal exporters! Access to one of the largest Halal markets in the world is now within reach. A recent Letter of Intent (LOI) signed between Islamic Services of America (ISA) and Indonesia’s Halal Product Assurance Organizing Agency (BPJPH) paves the way for U.S. Halal meat exporters to enter the Indonesian market with ease.
Mar 6, 2026
Picture this: You're strolling down the cobbled streets of Florence, Italy, on a warm summer afternoon. The sun is beating down, and you're craving something cool and refreshing. Suddenly, you spot a gelato shop. The colorful tubs of creamy goodness behind the glass look tempting, but as you take a step closer, a question pops into your mind: “Is this Halal?”