Midamar Corp., a Halal processor based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, that is at the center of a federal investigation, issued a statement saying that it still servicing its customers. Again, the company proclaimed its innocence against alleged charges of mislabeling meat that was processed under secular standards as Halal.

The statement reads: “Recently, Midamar facilities were raided by government agencies and a business account was frozen. Midamar was not informed of the purpose or the cause of the investigation. Some media outlets have speculated that government agencies are investigating Halal compliance issues and linked the current investigation to a USDA investigation in 2010.  The 2010 investigation on alleged misbranding of establishment numbers had no bearing on the Halal integrity of Midamar products. Midamar took action and its voluntary export services were reinstated.

“There is no evidence that Midamar’s Halal integrity has been compromised by either investigation.

“Midamar products are Halal compliant. Midamar was questioned about Halal definitions and processes, and correctly responded that Halal and Kosher compliance is regulated by religious authorities and is not the domain of the federal government. Halal compliance is based on Quran, Shariah and scholarly interpretation.  If the government is pursuing action against a brand on the basis of its Halal status, this is a violation of the first amendment of the US Constitution which guarantees the separation of church and state.

“Furthermore there have been no charges or alleged offences by the government against the company. Midamar is cooperating with authorities and has not been informed by the government about the nature or purpose of the investigation.  The authorities have not responded to the company’s repeated requests to explain the reason for the investigation.

“Midamar is continuing operations and all obligations to its customers, vendors, and stakeholders will continue to be upheld during the investigation process.  USDA and export services were not interrupted during the investigation.  All Midamar products continue to be sold domestically and exported to customers worldwide.”

Source: Midamar Corp.