Islamic Services of America (ISA), a Cedar Rapids-based halal certification agency, signed a Letter of Intent with Indonesia’s Halal Product Assurance Organizing Agency (BPJPH) on May 20 to expand cooperation in halal certification and trade.
The agreement was formalized at the Indonesian Embassy in Washington, D.C., and aims to streamline exports of U.S. halal-certified beef and other goods to Indonesia. It also promotes compliance with Indonesian and internationally recognized halal standards, supporting food security and certification transparency.
Founded in 1975, ISA has long been involved in establishing halal standards globally. It is a founding member of the World Halal Food Council and is accredited by halal authorities in Indonesia (BPJPH), Malaysia (JAKIM) and Singapore (MUIS).
“This collaboration with BPJPH marks a significant milestone in our mission as an industry leader in the global halal market,” said Jalel Aossey, president of Islamic Services of America, in a release announcing the new halal agreement with Indonesia’s Halal Product Assurance Organizing Agency.
Dr. Haikal Hasan, head of BPJPH, said the agreement supports job creation in Indonesia and could offer similar benefits in the United States.
“Halal industry development has contributed significantly to creating jobs in Indonesia, and we believe this halal collaboration could also extend its value and benefits to the American people and the U.S. economy,” Mr. Hasan said.
The partnership aligns with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s “Farmers First” initiative, which focuses on job growth, infrastructure expansion and support for rural agricultural producers. The collaboration is expected to help small and midsize U.S. farms access halal markets abroad with the support of USDA grants and loan programs.
ISA provides halal certification services across North America and expanded its regional presence in 2018 by acquiring the Halal Montreal Certification Authority. The organization employs food science professionals and certification experts across the United States and Canada.
Founded in 1975 in Cedar Rapids, ISA is an accredited global leader in Halal
certification and auditing, with regional offices and a team of food science professionals
and industry experts across the United States and Canada. Its reach expanded in 2018 with the acquisition of the Halal Montreal Certification Authority (HMCA), strengthening its presence in North America. For more information, go to www.isahalal.com
