Re: Whats the importance of `Halal' in Islam?
Halal means ' allowed '. Any act that is permissble under Sharia is known as halal. Since Islam is very particular about the way muslims 'behave' in a society it has provided specific guidelines and food is no exception. Apart from animals that are outrightly forbidden like pig, dog etc even ' halal ' animals such goat, sheep, chicken are not allowed to be consumed IF when slain Allah's name is not invoked.
Now of course ingredients in a restaurants may have 'non-halal' animal traits. For example gelatin which is found in several candies maybe extracted from pigs. A convenient way to convey muslims that a particular product is free from direct non-halal traces and indirect (such as gelatin) alike you use the term ' halal food'. So when you see a 'halal food' sign that would mean that the food is prepared according to Islamic rules : When slaying, preparing and adding additives
If you cannot find halal food and your dieing of starvation then of course you may consume anything you like.