Uncertified Companies Displaying Halal Logo

Mr Zainal Sapari asked the Minister for Communications and Information and Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs (a) for the last three years, what is the number of food companies or eating establishments that have been found to display the MUIS Halal logo without getting MUIS Halal certification; (b) what actions can MUIS take against these errant companies; and (c) whether the relevant Ministry can consider allowing MUIS to impose financial penalties or a suspension order for such infringements.

Under the Administration of Muslim Law Act (AMLA), the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) is the regulatory authority for Halal products, services or activities in Singapore.

MUIS has the power to prosecute any person for misusing its Halal logo. Anyone who uses the MUIS Halal mark without a valid certificate is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $10,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months, or both. Offenders can be issued a composition fine up to $2,000. AMLA also empowers MUIS to revoke or suspend Halal certificates issued to companies if they do not comply with the regulatory requirements.

MUIS carries out surveillance and enforcement actions regularly to ensure the integrity of its Halal Certification system. Initiatives, such as seminars, talks and training programmes, are also conducted to enhance public awareness on

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Halal matters.

MUIS takes a serious view of violations and does not hesitate to take action against offenders. For the last three years, MUIS has prosecuted one company and issued composition fines to 76 companies for misusing the Halal mark. All 77 companies were either food companies or eating establishments. Their offences include the use of MUIS' Halal mark on websites, products and signages when they were not or no longer Halal-certified by MUIS. Within the same period, MUIS also suspended the Halal certificates of 27 companies for a period of three to 12 months. These were for major non-compliances with MUIS' terms and conditions, such as using doubtful ingredients or storing undeclared non-Halal products like cooking oil, wine and bacon.