ISRAEL – Israel-based cultivated meat company Aleph Farms has secured the first-ever government approval globally for the sale of cultured beef, and notably, the first approval for any non-chicken cultivated meat.
The approval is subject to adherence to labeling and marketing guidelines from the Ministry of Health, along with the completion of a Good Manufacturing Practices inspection for the company’s pilot production facility.
The cultivated beef, named Aleph Cuts, is crafted from cells sourced from premium Black Angus cows and a plant protein matrix of soy and wheat.
Israel’s Ministry of Health granted regulatory approval for Aleph Cuts, marking a significant milestone for the Middle East and the entire cultivated meat industry.
The approval, issued in the form of a “No Questions” letter, signified a major stride in addressing regional challenges related to food insecurity and climate change.
The absence of antibiotics and animal-derived components, including FBS, underscores Aleph Farms’ commitment to producing sustainable and ethically sourced meat.
Aleph Farms emphasized the collaborative approach in the Middle East to find solutions to these critical issues.
While other food tech companies focused on cultivated chicken meat products, Aleph Farms stood out by gaining approval for its cultivated beef steaks.
The company is now poised to produce and market Aleph Cuts, made from the cells of premium Black Angus cows, along with soy and wheat proteins.
“What sets Aleph Farms apart is its commitment to sustainability and ethical practices. Unlike some other cultivated meat products, Aleph Cuts does not contain fetal bovine serum (FBS), a controversial ingredient harvested from pregnant cows slated for slaughter.”
Aleph Farms CEO Didier Toubia expressed the company’s dedication to addressing shared challenges like food security.
“We believe that addressing joint challenges like food security is the best way to ensure the prosperity of the Middle East and other parts of the world that rely heavily on massive food imports,” he stated.
He also revealed that Aleph Farms plans to introduce Aleph Cuts in foodservice and retail locations, marking a pivotal moment not only for the Middle East but also for global cultivated meat markets.
With this historic regulatory approval, Aleph Farms is set to lead the way in the cultivated meat industry, offering a sustainable and ethical alternative to traditional meat production methods.
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