Aleph Farms makes history as world’s first cutlivated beef is approved for sale

Aleph Cuts products have been approved for sale in Israel Credit: Aleph Farms

Aleph Farms has made history by becoming the first manufacturer authorised to sell cultivated beef anywhere in the world.

The cultivated meat retailer received a “no questions” letter from Israel’s Ministry of Health (MoH), making Aleph Cuts the first non-chicken cultivated meat cleared for consumers anywhere in the world.

“The entire Aleph team has united in strength and determination to deliver no matter what during these difficult times in Israel. We are excited to carry this resilience forward in the form of innovation in agriculture and food security,” said Didier Toubia, CEO and Co-Founder of Aleph Farms.

“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, especially in Asia. On behalf of our entire team, I would like to thank the Ministry of Health, the Israel Innovation Authority and all the other involved government agencies for their commitment to advance the first cultivated beef product in the world. Now more than ever, Aleph Farms remains committed to making the world a better place,” he continued.

“2024 stands to be a landmark year for the advancement of regulatory pathways and commercialization of cultivated meat. With this historic regulatory approval, Israel’s Ministry of Health (MoH) has firmly cemented its leadership position in introducing world-changing innovation in a way that builds trust with consumers,” added Yifat Gavriel, Chief of Regulatory Affairs, Quality Assurance and Product Safety at Aleph Farms.

Aleph farms says the first cut to be introduced to diners in Israel will be the cultivated Petit Steak, made of non-modified, non-immortalized cells of a premium Black Angus cow named Lucy, as well as a plant protein matrix made of soy and wheat.

“This regulatory milestone, the first of its kind worldwide, reflects a comprehensive assessment of crucial factors, from toxicology and allergens to nutritional composition, microbiological safety, and chemical safety throughout the entire production process – from the initial cell isolation to processing and packaging,” said Dr. Ziva Hamama, Food Risk Management Department Director at Israel’s Ministry of Health.

“The Food Risk Management Department in the Ministry of Health continues to engage in extensive discussions with various companies in the alternative protein sector, aiming to advance the field and ensure the safety of products entering the Israeli market.”