South Korea’s main Muslim group, KMF, recognises cultivated meat as halal
The Korean Muslim Federation (KMF) has issued a fatwa allowing cultivated meat under several conditions to address the growing demand for Halal protein alternatives..
SOUTH KOREA – South Korea’s main Muslim organisation has ruled that cultivated meat can be Halal if it is produced according to specific religious guidelines.
The Korean Muslim Federation (KMF) issued a fatwa stating that lab-grown meat can be consumed by Muslims, provided that its sourcing and production align with Halal standards.
This makes South Korea the second country to officially recognise cultivated meat as Halal, following a similar decision by the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore in 2023.
A fatwa is a non-binding legal ruling under Sharia law that offers guidance on religious matters not explicitly addressed in the Quran.
Halal dietary rules require meat to come from animals slaughtered according to Islamic law, while certain products like pork and blood are prohibited.
The KMF’s fatwa states that cultivated meat producers must undergo a thorough inspection before receiving final certification, but the ruling still opens opportunities for the industry in South Korea.
Data from the KMF shows that South Korea has approximately 200,000 Muslims, with 40% living in Seoul.
Globally, Halal consumers make up about a quarter of the population, and the Halal meat industry is expected to grow by 7% annually, reaching an estimated US$1.6 trillion by 2032.
The decision is expected to benefit Simple Planet, a South Korean startup seeking Halal certification for its cultivated meat ingredients.
Startup Works to Meet Halal Standards
Simple Planet produces protein powders and fatty acid pastes used in cell-cultured meat and has developed 13 different animal cell lines, including beef, chicken, pork, tuna, and lobster.
Last month, the company signed an agreement with the Halal Science Center at Chulalongkorn University in Thailand to implement Halal Good Manufacturing Practices in its production system.
The partnership focuses on research and technology sharing, academic programs, and industry seminars to explore Halal compliance in biotech-based food production.
The company has also created an edible, serum-free culture medium using probiotics, which could help meet Halal requirements while cutting production costs by 99.8%.
Simple Planet’s co-founder and CEO, Dominic Jeong, stated that the company aims to provide a stable supply of cell-based food to improve food security and accessibility worldwide.
The startup has secured US$7.5 million from private investors and an additional US$8 million in government funding while awaiting regulatory approval in South Korea.
A 2023 survey of 44 cultivated meat companies found that 87% considered Halal certification a priority, though a lack of clear guidelines has been a significant barrier.
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