Halal is an Arabic word which simply means permitted or lawful. So when we are talking about halal food it means any food that is allowed to be eaten according to Islamic Sharia law.
This means that for any food to be considered halal it must comply with the religious ritual and observance of Sharia law.
O ye who believe! Eat of the good things wherewith We have provided you, and render thanks to Allah if it is (indeed) He whom ye worship (2:172).
Haram is an Arabic word which simply means unlawful or unallowable. So when we are talking about food it means any food that is not allowed to be eaten according to Islamic Sharia law.
Food can be forbidden in Islam if it includes: blood, alcohol, meat or any products from a forbidden animal, including pigs and any carnivorous animals or birds of prey, meat or any products of an animal which has not been slaughtered in the correct manner in the name of Allah.
He hath forbidden you only carrion, and blood, and swineflesh, and that which hath been immolated to (the name of) any other than Allah. But he who is driven by necessity, neither craving nor transgressing, it is no sin for him. Lo! Allah is Forgiving, Merciful (2:173).
This means that food has been subjected to approved certification systems which guarantee to consumers that nothing in the food has any forbidden components. Halal certificates are issued, for a fee, by a certifying body.
In Singapore, Halal Certification is issued by the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore also known as Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura (MUIS).
Singapore Malay Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SMCCI) issues "100% Muslim-Owned F&B Establishment".