Farmed meat company Alef Farms has announced that Israel’s chief rabbi, Israel Meir Lau, has ruled its farmed steak kosher, meaning it is permitted to be eaten by Jews under religious law.
According to Food Technology, this is the first time such an authority in Judaism has ruled on cultured meat.
Aleph Farms, which focuses on raising steak directly from non-genetically engineered animal cells, said it is still working with local rabbinical authorities to obtain kosher certification for its Rehovot-based production facility.
The intersection of tradition and innovation
Didier Toubia, Co-Founder and CEO of Aleph Farms said: “The ruling is significant not only for Aleph Farms as a company, but also for the entire cultured meat industry It lays the foundation for an inclusive public discourse about the intersection of tradition and innovation in our society.”
Following the ruling, the company hopes other local authorities will certify Alef Farm’s farmed steaks as kosher, enabling Jews who observe kashrut to eat the farmed meat steaks.
The global kosher beef market
According to Aleph Farms, the growing preference for kosher beef in key countries such as the US, France and Israel, which have the largest Jewish population and more than 86% of the global Jewish population, is driving the market. THe markets kosher beef worldwide expected to reach about $100.85 billion by 2030.
According to the Farmed Meat Company, in 2021, guess 73.9% of Israel’s population was Jewish, making it the largest Aleph Farms will receive a kosher certificate ahead of its market launch later this year.
Seeking Halal and Hindu certification
Aleph Farms said the company is seeking Halal and Hindu certification for its products to be inclusive and viable options for various religious practices.
Aleph Farms is working closely with regulatory agencies worldwide as it prepares for the commercial launch of its first product, farmed thin-cut beef steak. It plans to produce different cuts of steak and cultured collagen, developing through additional proprietary capabilities.
“We are delighted that more groups of diners can enjoy our products regardless of their religion, helping us advance our inclusive approach to food security and tap into the diverse food cultures of the world,” added Taubia.