Built on Faith,
Driven by Integrity
Halal Watch World was founded in 1985 by Imam W.D. Umar as a grassroots initiative to bring rigorous Islamic compliance standards to the American food industry. What started as a newsletter called "Halal Watch" grew into a nationally recognized halal certification body.
Today, under the leadership of Imam Mansoor Rafiq Umar, we certify everything from meat and dairy to pharmaceuticals and cosmetics — serving companies across the United States and beyond.
EXPLORE OUR TIMELINE →
On the Ground, Every Day
Protecting Halal Integrity
To provide transparent, efficient, and internationally recognized halal certification services that protect consumers and empower businesses to access global halal markets with confidence.
Setting the Standard
To be the gold standard in halal certification — setting the benchmark for quality, trust, and compliance that every halal-conscious consumer and business can rely on.
Officially Recognized
Meet Our President
Imam Mansoor Rafiq Umar
CEO & President
Gubernatorial Appointee, Executive Committee Member of the NYS Office of Faith. Imam at MCBNY. Chaplain Imam at UAlbany.
VIEW FULL BIO →Key Contributions
Pioneering Halal Legislation
We helped develop and implement the first halal law in the United States (2000, Paterson, NJ), setting the foundation for national halal compliance and enforcement.
NYC Halal School Food Program
Since 2018, we've certified halal food for over 43 NYC public schools — providing students with culturally and religiously compliant meals. The program is now a national model.
Correctional Facilities
Since 1985, we've managed halal food procurement for New York State correctional facilities, in collaboration with DOCCS — ensuring compliance with both religious and regulatory frameworks.
Halal Integrity Training
Through our proprietary HIPS-based training modules, we ensure that staff involved in halal food production and certification meet the highest standards in the field.
Federal Collaboration
We actively engage with the USDA, USDHS, and the U.S. Department of Commerce, and contributed to the State of the Global Islamic Economy Report 2023/24.
Regional Exclusivity
We are the only halal certification agency headquartered in Upstate New York and the Capital Region. Our certifications are formally recognized by both the USDA and NYS Agriculture and Markets.
Why Choose Halal Watch?
How to Choose a Halal Certifier
Ask these questions before committing to any halal certification body.
Which international halal authorities formally recognize your certificates?
Recognized by GAC, CICOT, and MJC, with New York State Department of Agriculture approval. Learn more →
Will this certificate be accepted in the countries I export to?
Certificates support access to 190+ markets. See our export guide for market-by-market acceptance. Learn more →
Who reviews the rulings behind your certification decisions?
Every certification decision is reviewed under qualified Islamic scholarly oversight, and our standards are published openly.
How long does certification take?
2 to 3 weeks for most companies, with the full process published openly. Learn more →
Will you give me a clear quote before I commit?
Certification costs typically average between $3,000 and $5,000 annually. Every quote is individual. Learn more →
Do halal consumers actually recognize and trust this certifier?
Hundreds of thousands of US halal consumers use Halal Watch's product verdicts every quarter to decide what to eat.
Ready to Get Certified?
Complete your needs assessment and receive a certification proposal within 24 hours.