Texas law would regulate Islamic foods

Food labeled as halal, or meeting Islamic dietary laws, would be regulated under a bill introduced in the Texas Senate.

Proponents say the bill would protect consumers, while others worry that the law could blur boundaries separating church and state.

The bill would make it a misdemeanor for restaurants to falsely label such foods, the Austin American-Statesman reported.

Illinois and New Jersey have adopted such measures and other states are considering it. But a federal appeals court has ruled against New York's law regulating Jewish kosher food.

Like observant Jews, Muslims eschew pork products and eat only meats that follow ritual requirements. The Quran says an animal must be killed humanely and the blood drained, with the slaughterer reciting "Allahu akbar" ("God is great")