JAKARTA – What began as a community-focused initiative in 1975 has evolved into one of the world’s most trusted Halal certification organizations. Islamic Services of America (ISA) recently marked its golden anniversary, celebrating 50 years of pioneering work in the North American Halal certification landscape.

The Pioneering Years (1975-1989)

William “Bill” Aossey Jr. established ISA with an initial focus on community support, including educational resources, family assistance, and helping universities accommodate the growing population of international Muslim students. However, as global demand for American Halal-certified exports emerged in the late 1970s and early 1980s, Aossey recognized a critical market opportunity.

Drawing upon his expertise in food certification and collaborating with Muslim advisors, he launched what would become North America’s inaugural Halal certification service. During this foundational period, ISA built its reputation through grassroots efforts, establishing credibility within local communities through personal connections and word-of-mouth endorsements.

The organization played a crucial intermediary role, enabling major American restaurant chains—including McDonald’s, Pizza Hut, KFC, Burger King, and Wendy’s—to expand their franchise operations into Middle Eastern and Southeast Asian markets during the early 1980s boom.

Building Momentum (1990s-2000s)

The 1990s brought significant transformation as America’s Muslim population grew and domestic demand for Halal products surged. ISA responded by broadening its certification scope beyond traditional food products, extending into dairy, baked goods, flavor enhancers, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and various consumer goods.

This diversification reflected ISA’s understanding that Halal principles encompass all aspects of daily life, not merely food consumption. The organization’s unwavering commitment to authentic verification processes established it as a reliable partner for restaurants, manufacturers, and consumers seeking genuine Halal products.

Global Expansion Era (2010s-Present)

ISA’s reputation in North America provided the foundation for international growth. The organization developed strategic partnerships across the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Europe, positioning itself as a bridge between American producers and global Halal markets.

A significant milestone came in 2011 when ISA became a founding member of the World Halal Food Council. This membership brought global recognition and accreditation from major international Halal authorities, including:

• JAKIM (Malaysia)
• BPJPH (Indonesia)
• MUIS (Singapore)
• GAC (Gulf Cooperation Council countries)
• CICOT (Thailand)

These partnerships enabled ISA-certified products to access Halal markets in over 70 countries worldwide.

The 2018 acquisition of Halal Montreal Certification (HMCA) expanded ISA’s North American presence, allowing the organization to serve clients ranging from emerging startups to multinational corporations. This growth reinforced ISA’s position as an industry standard-setter.

Recent years have seen ISA establish formal agreements and letters of intent with government entities and businesses in Indonesia, Malaysia, and the United Arab Emirates, facilitating international trade in Halal products and cementing ISA’s role in the global Halal economy.

Celebrating 50 Years of Excellence

On July 17, 2025, ISA commemorated its 50th anniversary in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where the organization also recognized the recent retirement of former Vice President Timothy Hyatt. Current President Jalel Aossey emphasized that “50 years is just the beginning,” highlighting ISA’s commitment to continued growth and innovation.

Hyatt reflected on the celebration, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to work alongside dedicated colleagues and noting the “talent and youthful energy” that newer team members bring to the organization’s mission.

Looking Forward

Today, ISA stands as North America’s premier Halal certification and auditing organization, with recognition extending across the global Halal industry. The organization’s evolution from a local community service provider to an international authority demonstrates the power of sustained vision and commitment.

As ISA continues its mission as “Your Guide to the Global Halal Market,” it remains dedicated to maintaining Halal integrity while adapting to serve an increasingly diverse and expanding marketplace. The next chapter in ISA’s story promises continued innovation and growth, built upon five decades of trust, excellence, and community service.

Original Article:

Halal Times. (2025, September 9). The Rise of Islamic Services of America (ISA): 1975 to 2025. Retrieved from https://www.halaltimes.com/the-rise-of-islamic-services-of-america-isa-1975-to-2025/