Educating F&B operators on the use of halal labelling and halal certification

Response to parliamentary question on Muis’ plans to regulate or educate food & beverage operators and the public on halal status and certification mark

Question

Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Development and Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs what are the plans of MUIS to regulate or educate food and beverage (F&B) operators on the use of labels depicting Islamic phrases or Muslim-owned businesses status in order to avoid confusion amongst the public of the halal status of F&B establishments and potential dilution of the MUIS halal certification mark.

Response

Mr Masagos Zulkifli, Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs & Minister for Social and Family Development:

1. Halal certification is voluntary in Singapore. Those who apply and are awarded halal certificates are closely regulated by Muis to ensure that they meet the requisite halal standards.
2. Muslim owners and operators of food and beverage (F&B) businesses may choose not to apply for halal certification on the basis that it is already clear that it is  a religious obligation and responsibility for Muslims to serve halal food to other Muslims. Instead, they prefer to highlight their faith, either through labels that indicate that the establishment is Muslim-owned or through the display of Islamic paraphernalia.
3. Muis will continue to emphasise to F&B businesses the importance of not naming or promoting their establishments in a manner that could mislead consumers.  For example, Muslim F&B businesses which opt to only use Islamic paraphernalia or Muslim-ownership labels to indicate they are a halal-food establishment should take care to ensure that their food is halal. The Muis halal logo also must not be used or modified by businesses that have not attained official certification, so that it does not lead to a dilution of the mark.  Action will be taken against businesses that make wilful misrepresentations.
4. It is also important for customers of F&B halal establishments to be alert to establishments that may display misleading information. Halal food consumers should familiarise themselves with the halal certification mark or ask F&B owners for clarification if they are unsure whether the establishment serves halal food if other labels are displayed. For Muslim consumers, dining decisions are a personal choice.  Muis will continue to provide guidance, so they can be more aware of the considerations and implications when making food choices. Muis has conducted several public education efforts on this matter through mainstream media and various social media platforms, such as the HalalSG Twitter, Muis’ Facebook page, MuslimSG app and various podcast shows.