Federal probe targets halal food supplier in Iowa
IOWA CITY (AP) — The maker of a popular brand of food for observant Muslims says in court documents that it is facing a potentially crippling investigation into whether it falsely labeled meat products as being processed in compliance with Islamic law.
Midamar Corp. says that investigators seized its bank account and records under search warrants executed at the Cedar Rapids firm last month. U.S. District Judge Linda Reade last week upheld the government’s seizure of more than $454,000 in bank funds.
No charges have been filed, and Reade ruled that the government’s affidavit supporting its warrant can remain secret.
In filings, Midamar says it’s been told the grounds for the seizures relate to allegations that it improperly branded and sold meat products as meeting Muslim dietary requirements called halal when they did not.
