Display of Labels Depicting Islamic Phrases or Muslim-owned Businesses Status
Ministry of Social and Family DevelopmentSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns plans by MUIS to regulate and educate food and beverage (F&B) operators on using Islamic phrases or Muslim-owned status labels to avoid public confusion. Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim asked about measures to prevent the dilution of the MUIS halal certification mark caused by unofficial signage in F&B establishments. Minister Masagos Zulkifli B M M clarified that while certification is voluntary, MUIS regulates logo usage and takes action against businesses that wilfully misrepresent their halal status. He emphasized that businesses using religious labels must ensure their food is halal, while consumers should verify official certification marks or ask for clarification when unsure. MUIS continues public education through platforms like HalalSG and the MuslimSG app to help consumers make informed choices and understand the implications of different halal claims.
Transcript
31 Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim asked 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.
Mr Masagos Zulkifli B M M: 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.
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.
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.
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.