Massachusetts Becomes First US State to Symbolically Legalize Haggis

Governor Maura Healey signed a symbolic executive order to “legalize” haggis in Massachusetts yesterday, according to a social media clip. While the traditional Scottish dish remains prohibited under 1971 federal food regulations because it contains sheep’s lungs, the act serves as a symbolic gesture supporting the “Make Haggis Legal Again” campaign.

Healey signed the order at the State House in Boston alongside Scottish podcaster David McIntosh Jnr. “We just made haggis legal in Massachusetts,” Healey stated in the video. However, the Governor’s office noted that no actual laws were changed by this action.

Why is haggis illegal in the United States?

Federal food regulations have banned the traditional Scottish staple since 1971. The ban specifically targets the use of sheep’s lungs in the recipe. Some alternative versions of the dish avoid this restriction by substituting lungs with extra liver or heart.

Did You Know? Haggis has been banned in the U.S. since 1971 due to federal regulations regarding the use of sheep’s lungs.

How did the Tartan Army influence the decision?

The symbolic order follows a visit by more than 20,000 Scotland fans, known as the Tartan Army, who traveled to Massachusetts for football matches. Scotland defeated Haiti 1-0 at Boston Stadium before facing Morocco at the same venue.

The influx of fans impacted local commerce. A number of Boston pubs and bars reported running low on beer due to a surge in demand. Thousands of fans also visited Fenway Park to attend a Boston Red Sox game.

Governor Healey credited the fans for their impact. “The Tartan Army has brought the energy, joy, and enthusiasm to Massachusetts,” Healey said, adding that the presence of kilts and bagpipes made the fans’ impression on the state clear.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that while state-level symbolic gestures create visibility for cultural campaigns, they do not override federal food safety mandates. The tension between local affinity and national regulation means any actual change would likely require federal intervention rather than state executive orders.

What happens next for the “Make Haggis Legal Again” campaign?

Scottish butcher Simon Howie has launched a “Make Haggis Legal Again” petition to reinstate the dish in the U.S. A spokesperson for the campaign stated that the appeal is based on the “warmth and long-standing affinity between Americans and Scots.”

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey makes her pitch in Ireland

The petition has recorded more than 500 signatures to date. Because federal law still prohibits the traditional recipe, the campaign may continue to seek broader legal changes. Future steps could include further petitions or attempts to influence federal food regulations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is haggis now legally available for sale in Massachusetts?
No. Governor Healey’s executive order was symbolic; federal law still prohibits the traditional version of haggis, and no actual laws were changed.

What ingredient makes traditional haggis illegal in the U.S.?
The dish is banned under federal food regulations because it contains sheep’s lungs.

Who is leading the effort to legalize the dish?
Scottish butcher Simon Howie launched the “Make Haggis Legal Again” petition to bring the national dish back to the United States.

Do you think traditional cultural foods should be exempt from federal food regulations?