NY Enforces Registration for Kosher and Halal Food Manufacturers and Certifiers

New York State’s Agriculture Commissioner, Richard A. Ball, unveiled an upgraded online registry today for kosher and halal foods. The registry, managed by the Department, necessitates entities involved in certifying food as kosher or halal to register, as required by law. Additionally, consumers can use this tool to search for kosher or halal food products within New York State.

Commissioner Ball highlighted New York’s diverse food landscape, saying, “Our state is proud to host some of the world’s finest food manufacturers, offering a spectrum of products reflecting our state’s diversity. This registry, necessitating the registration of kosher and halal product certifiers and sellers, assures New Yorkers that the kosher and halal foods they purchase comply with our state’s registration laws.”

Food-related businesses engaged in manufacturing, selling, or distributing halal or kosher-labeled products must register with the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets. Entities or individuals providing certification services, including for kosher and halal foods, are also required to register with the Department.

The Department’s food safety inspections also ensure that entities involved in kosher and halal food certification comply with the Kosher Law Protection Act of 2004 and New York State’s Halal Foods Protection Act of 2005.

Rabbi Menachem Genack, CEO of Orthodox Union Kosher, expressed his gratitude for this initiative, highlighting its role in ensuring food certification reliability. He emphasized that the updated registry aligns well with its mission and serves as a valuable resource for consumers seeking to understand the origins of their food certification symbols.

Imam Borhan Uddin, Director of the Shariah Board, New York, Northeast Chapter, lauded the initiative. He noted the role of HMS, one of the few registered halal certifiers in NYS, in eliminating fraudulent practices in the halal market and promoting businesses adhering to proper halal standards. The registration, he said, would significantly aid in ensuring halal integrity.

The online registry, as well as registration forms, can be accessed at the provided web addresses. Queries related to registration requirements can be directed to the respective emails.

The recent upgrade of the kosher and halal food registry reinforces New York State’s leadership in food safety initiatives. The Department of Agriculture and Markets spearheads food safety efforts in the state through a robust network of food safety inspectors and a state-of-the-art laboratory dedicated to safeguarding and enhancing the health of New Yorkers.