Cultivated, lab-grown, or cultured meat is a scientific innovation poised to revolutionise the food industry. This technology involves harvesting cells from animals and nurturing them in a lab to grow meat without the traditional process of raising and slaughtering animals. It promises a future where meat production is less resource-intensive and more humane. However, for the 1.8 billion Muslims worldwide, the Halal status of cultivated meat remains a question.
1. Understanding Halal Dietary Laws
The concept of Halal, which translates to ‘permissible’ in Arabic, is an essential aspect of Islamic life. It dictates the types of food that can be consumed and their preparation methods. Halal meat must meet several criteria including:
- Come from a permissible animal and be slaughtered by a Muslim;
- Animal must be alive and healthy at the time of slaughter;
- All blood must be drained from the veins.
These laws are not merely dietary preferences but integral to a Muslim’s spiritual health and ethical considerations.
2. What is Cultivated Meat?
Cultivated meat refers to meat produced by culturing animal cells in vitro rather than raising and slaughtering whole animals. The process involves collecting cells from live animals and then feeding and nurturing those cells in large bioreactors until they grow into raw meat products. No livestock are harmed in the production process. Advocates argue it could help address issues like animal welfare, environmental sustainability and public health associated with conventional meat production.
The first cultured meat burger was produced and tasted in 2013, and since then, the technology has advanced rapidly. Several companies are now working to scale up production and bring cultivated meat to market. Leading companies producing cultivated meat commercially or nearing commercialisation include Upside Foods, Shiok Meats, and Eat Just.
3. Market Potential of Halal-Cultivated Meat
The global cultivated meat industry has grown significantly in recent years. It is backed by $2.8 billion investment, with the total number of publicly announced cultivated meat companies rising to 156 as of late 2022, according to GFI’s State of the Industry Report. Companies are now headquartered in close to 30 countries across the world.
Halal-cultivated meat presents enormous potential, driven by the following factors:
- Global Halal Food Trends – The global Halal food market is forecast to reach US$1.67 trillion by 2025, growing to meet the dietary demands of a rapidly increasing Muslim population, set to comprise 30% of the global population by mid-century.
- Food Shortage in OIC Countries – The Muslim population is growing and the demand for animal protein is increasing, but Muslim-majority countries in the Gulf region have limitations on domestic livestock farming and agriculture due to climate and terrain constraints. Currently, over 85% of their food and around 62% of their meat is imported. In 2020, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) reported a significant Halal food export deficit of approximately US$67 billion. This underscores the strong dependence on imports in key Muslim markets, offering great potential for cultivated meat businesses.
4. Consumer Acceptance of Cultivated Meat
Current studies on the reception of lab-grown meat suggest a burgeoning global interest in such products. Cultured meat is more appealing than GMOs and insect-based proteins, especially to traditional meat enthusiasts.
Nevertheless, the adoption of cultivated meat remains a challenge due to consumer acceptance. Eight factors influencing consumer attitudes towards cultured meat: public awareness, risk-benefit analysis, ethics, environment, emotions, individual traits, product qualities, alternative protein availability. Personal knowledge, perceptions, and characteristics weigh more heavily in decision-making than environmental and ethical considerations alone. The belief that cultured meat is unhealthy, artificial, not real meat, or repulsive can deter consumer interest.
Research involving Muslim consumers shows that cultured meat must be Halal-certified to be accepted. Trust in food regulatory authorities to verify the safety and Halal status of cultured meat is high among Muslim consumers.
5. Halal Status of Cultivated Meat
According to scholars in Saudi Arabia, cultivated meat can be considered Halal if it meets certain conditions:
- The cell line used to produce the meat must come from an animal permissible to eat, such as a cow or a chicken.
- The animal the cell line is extracted from must have been slaughtered according to Islamic law.
- The nutrients fed to the cells must be permissible to eat. They must not contain any prohibited substances, such as spilled blood, alcohol, or materials extracted from improperly slaughtered animals or pigs.
- The cultivated meat must be safe for human consumption and not pose any health risks. This should be confirmed by referring to relevant specialists, such as a country’s food regulatory agency.
The Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura issued a religious ruling that cultivated meat is Halal if the following requirements are met:
- Cell source must be taken from animals that are Halal to consume;
- Every ingredient that makes up the texture and composition of cultivated meat must be Halal; and
- Product is non-toxic and clean.
6. Potential Challenges & Advice for Businesses
Producing and using cultured meat can pose several challenges for businesses. Three key challenges are discussed below:
- Securing Halal Certification: One of the biggest challenges in the Halal-cultivated meat market is obtaining Halal certification. This certification is crucial as it confirms that the product is suitable for Muslim consumption. It is based on religious rulings by Islamic scholars and holds great significance in the Muslim community. To facilitate the Fatwa formulation process, engaging with Islamic authorities and increasing their understanding of the technicalities and benefits of cultivated meat is essential. Framing cultured meat as a solution to existing food security and environmental issues can be an effective strategy to gain acceptance and recognition within the community.
- Navigating Regulatory Hurdles: Navigating the regulatory landscape is a complex task involving complying with food safety regulations and Halal requirements. The absence of a unified international Halal standard further complicates this challenge. Therefore, businesses must establish close collaborations with relevant regulatory bodies, not only locally but also in the intended export markets.
- Differing Consumer Perceptions: Consumer perceptions surrounding cultivated meat are dynamic and varied. Research indicates that younger generations are more receptive to grown meat than older generations. Therefore, businesses need to develop targeted marketing strategies that resonate with different segments of the population. Communication should address concerns and highlight benefits in a way that fosters acceptance.
7. Conclusions
As the world advances, cultivated meat offers a chance to combine modern technology with ancient dietary laws. Halal status of grown meat brings promise and also challenges in certification, consumer perception, and regulatory compliance. Integrating scientific advances into religious and cultural norms is complex but necessary.
For the 1.8 billion Muslims around the globe, the acceptance of Halal cultivated meat could signify a new era in food consumption – one that harmonises respect for religious doctrines with a commitment to environmental sustainability and ethical consumption. The potential for Halal-cultivated meat to address food security, while aligning with Islamic principles, is not only a business opportunity but a step towards a more inclusive and sustainable future. As we embrace these changes, the collaboration between scholars, businesses, consumers, and regulatory bodies is crucial in shaping a future where tradition and innovation coexist harmoniously.
