Haggis, often hailed as Scotland's national dish, has long been a point of contention in the United States due to a ban on one of its key ingredients: sheep's lung. However, the Tartan Army, the passionate supporters of the Scottish national football team, have achieved a historic breakthrough in Massachusetts, making it the first state to lift the prohibition.
The Historic Change in Massachusetts
On Wednesday, June 18, 2026, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey signed an executive order alongside Scottish podcaster David McIntosh Jnr at the State House in Boston, declaring, "We just made haggis legal in Massachusetts." This move came after concerted efforts by Scottish fans attending the World Cup in the United States, who have been actively engaging with local communities, cleaning up after matches, and supporting local causes.
Why Was Haggis Banned?
The ban on haggis in the United States stems from a 1971 regulation by the Department of Food and Agriculture (USDA) that prohibits the domestic production and sale of foods containing sheep's lung, a primary component of traditional haggis alongside heart, liver, oatmeal, and spices. The USDA deemed the organ unsafe for human consumption due to the risk of contamination from bodily fluids such as stomach acid or phlegm, as well as higher concentrations of germs compared to other parts of the animal. This ban applies to both domestically produced items and imported goods.
Efforts to Overturn the Ban
In 2023, American physician Dr. Jonathan Reisman, an expert in offal anatomy and physiology, launched a petition to overturn the USDA's ban. He argued that "a food being gross is not the same as being unsafe," pointing to countries like the UK where regular consumption of haggis has no documented health impacts. However, the USDA denied the petition in May 2026, stating that the proposal "does not include sufficient data or studies to support your requested action."
What Does This Mean for Haggis Lovers?
While Massachusetts has legalized haggis, the federal ban remains in place across the rest of the United States. Americans can still enjoy domestically produced versions that replace sheep's lung with extra liver or sheep's heart. There are no legal penalties for individuals consuming sheep's lung on American soil, but importing traditional haggis is still prohibited. Scots traveling to the US for the World Cup are advised to enjoy their haggis before departure.
The Tartan Army's achievement in Massachusetts marks a significant step, but the fight to fully legalize Scotland's national dish continues.
