IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) – The founder of a popular line of food products for observant Muslims has been charged with fraudulently shipping beef to Malaysia and Indonesia that didn’t meet the countries’ import requirements, federal prosecutors in Iowa said Friday.
Bill Aossey Jr., who founded Midamar Corp. in 1974, is charged with conspiring to change labels and fabricate documents to make products appear that they originated from a slaughterhouse that met Malaysian and Indonesian requirements. Iowa-based Midamar is a leading U.S. halal company that sells beef, turkey, chicken and other products around the world.
His attorney, Haytham Faraj, called the 19-count indictment unfair, saying it was filed after his client rejected a plea agreement. Aossey, a prominent 73-year-old Cedar Rapids businessman, hasn’t been arrested and is expected to soon make an initial court appearance, Faraj said.
Aossey, a son of Syrian immigrants, is the “quintessential American success story,” Faraj said. Midamar, now operated by Aossey’s sons, celebrated its 40th anniversary this week.
Malaysia and Indonesia restrict the import of halal beef products to those from certified slaughter facilities. Halal meat is supposed to be killed in ritual slaughter and processed in compliance with Islamic law.