Home US Haggis is finally crossing the pond 50 years after it was banned in America – because they said it was unfit for human consumption… but one key ingredient had to be cut

Haggis is finally crossing the pond 50 years after it was banned in America – because they said it was unfit for human consumption… but one key ingredient had to be cut

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Scotland's biggest haggis maker creates new recipe for the dish as it exports it to the US for the first time in more than 50 years

The mix of offal and spices has made it a unique Scottish dish for centuries.

But now Scotland’s biggest haggis maker is creating a new recipe for the dish so it can be exported to the US for the first time in more than 50 years.

Edinburgh-based Macsween is developing a version of the culinary favorite to get around strict US food regulations.

Traditional haggis was banned by US authorities in 1971 after they ruled that food containing offal (sheep lung) was unfit for human consumption.

The Scottish company now plans to replace the ingredient with sheep’s heart, while retaining the delicacy’s traditional blend of herbs, oatmeal and fat.

The product is currently in the testing phase, but the company hopes it will be ready to launch in time for Burns Night next year – when Scots around the world celebrate the life of national poet Robert Burns on January 25.

It will give millions of Americans and expats the chance to taste haggis made in Scotland for the first time in decades.

Scotland’s biggest haggis maker creates new recipe for the dish as it exports it to the US for the first time in more than 50 years

Traditional haggis was banned by US authorities in 1971 after they ruled that food containing offal (sheep lung) was unfit for human consumption

Traditional haggis was banned by US authorities in 1971 after they ruled that food containing offal (sheep lung) was unfit for human consumption

The company’s director, James Macsween, said: ‘The company has developed a new haggis recipe that complies with US regulations, with the aim of introducing haggis to the US market for the first time since a 1971 ban.

‘In response to this long-standing ban, we have innovated to create a compliant version of haggis without compromising the dish’s authentic flavors and texture.

‘Sheep lung is replaced by sheep heart, while the traditional mix of herbs, oatmeal and fat is retained.

‘The new recipe aims to stay true to the spirit of Haggis while adhering to the strict regulations imposed by US food safety authorities.

“Once launched, haggis in the US would represent a significant opportunity for us as we look to introduce one of Scotland’s most iconic dishes to a wider audience.

“This effort is in line with traditional food events, such as St Andrews Day, Hogmanay and Burns Night celebrations, which are increasingly popular among Scottish-American communities, and the wider appreciation of global cuisine in the US market.

“This initiative reflects our commitment to innovation and growth in the global marketplace.”

Edinburgh-based Macsween is developing a version of the culinary favorite to get around strict US food regulations. Pictured: James MacSween

Edinburgh-based Macsween is developing a version of the culinary favorite to get around strict US food regulations. Pictured: James MacSween

The move into the US market comes after the company successfully started exporting alternative haggis to Canada in 2017.

Canada lifted a ban on importing red meat from Europe in 2015, but offal is still banned.

Macsween replaced the lung with lamb heart and lamb fat, in accordance with the country’s Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) regulations.

Mr Macsween said Canada is now the company’s largest overseas market.

The company has also exported vegetarian versions of its haggis to the US in recent years to tap into the growing market for gluten-free, plant-based and vegan foods.

The Scottish Veggie Crumble was available in the stores of the Fairway Market supermarket chain in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.

The US has previously suggested that the long-standing ban on haggis could be lifted, but talks remain ongoing.

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