Action should be taken against food outlets which mislead Muslims with their 'pork-free' labelling to mean halal, Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said today.

He said only food at outlets that carried the halal certificates from the Malaysia Islamic Development Department (Jakim) could be consumed by Muslims.

"Outlets which just put the 'pork-free' label at their premises do not represent what is meant by halal," he told reporters after opening a cultural seminar and Chinese New Year celebration for Muslim converts in Kepong, today.

He said the Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry and the states had laws to take action against food outlet operators who misled Muslims with their 'pork-free' labelling.

"There is an urgent need to educate the public, especially Muslims, to distinguish between an authentic halal logo and 'pork-free' labelling.

"Muslims must always be conscious of the requirements of Syariah law when it comes to food. The 'pork-free' label does not mean the food served is halal," he added.

Yesterday, the media reported that the Pahang Islamic Religious Department (JAIP) issued a restriction order on food outlets in the state not to use the term 'pork-free' or 'no pork' at their premises to avoid confusing the public.

- Bernama