In a groundbreaking development, GOOD Meat, the cultivated meat division of Eat Just, Inc., has received a landmark Shariah opinion that its cell-based meat can be considered halal if it meets specific criteria. This pivotal ruling opens doors for the international acceptance of cultivated meat, particularly among the 25% of the global population that follows halal dietary laws.
The Halal Market Opportunity
The global halal meat market was valued at $202 billion in 2021 and is projected to reach $375.05 billion by 2030. With the Muslim population and their meat consumption on the rise, the halal certification could be a game-changer for GOOD Meat and the entire cultivated meat industry.
The Shariah Ruling
A panel of esteemed Islamic scholars in Saudi Arabia reviewed the production process of GOOD Meat's cultivated chicken. The scholars outlined the conditions under which cultivated meat can be considered halal:
1. The cell line must come from an animal permissible to eat, such as chicken or cow.
2. The animal from which the cell line is extracted must be slaughtered according to Islamic law.
3. The nutrients fed to the cells must be permissible and free from forbidden substances like spilled blood, alcohol, or materials from improperly slaughtered animals.
4. The meat must be edible and safe for human consumption, as confirmed by food regulatory agencies.
The Road Ahead
While GOOD Meat's current production process, approved by U.S. and Singaporean regulators, does not yet meet these halal criteria, the company is committed to adapting its methods to comply with these guidelines. "If cultivated meat is to help address our future food system needs, it has to be an option for the billions of people around the world who eat halal," said Josh Tetrick, co-founder and CEO of GOOD Meat.
Consumer Sentiment in the Middle East
A recent poll conducted in six key Middle Eastern countries, including Saudi Arabia and Qatar, revealed that a majority of respondents would switch to cultivated meat if it were halal, cost-effective, and tasted similar to conventional meat. Climate messaging was found to be a significant influencer in purchase intent, aligning with Islamic principles of guardianship of nature.
The Shariah ruling is a monumental step for GOOD Meat and the cultivated meat industry at large, especially for companies aiming to tap into the lucrative halal market. It not only validates the ethical and environmental benefits of cultivated meat but also paves the way for its widespread acceptance among Muslim consumers globally.
For investors, corporations, and NGOs focused on food system transformation and climate tech, this development signifies a crucial intersection of technology, ethics, and market potential. It's not just about creating alternative protein sources; it's about making them accessible and acceptable to a diverse global population, thereby driving systemic change in our food systems.