Until now, food tech companies have primarily concentrated on cultivated chicken meat products, with only two other firms—Upside Foods and Eat Just—having received some form of regulatory approval. These companies were granted the go-ahead by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the FDA in July of last year. However, Aleph Farms has now achieved a groundbreaking milestone by obtaining the first approval for any non-chicken cultivated meat product globally. This approval also marks the first of its kind for any protein source in the Middle East.
According to a spokesperson, Aleph Farms is now authorized to produce and market its product, although this permission is contingent upon adhering to the labeling and marketing guidelines set by the Ministry of Health, as well as the completion of a Good Manufacturing Practices inspection at the company’s pilot production facility, as reported by AgFunder News. The product is derived from the cells of premium Black Angus cows, combined with soy and wheat proteins. Notably, Aleph Farms has stated that their product does not include fetal bovine serum (FBS). This contentious ingredient, found in some cultivated meat products, is obtained from fetal calves after identifying pregnant cows destined for slaughter, making it a byproduct of the meat processing industry, as noted by research from the Good Food Institute.
Eliminating FBS has presented one of many challenges for the cultivated meat industry, alongside high production costs and the need for consumer education. Companies such as Omeat and Eat Just are also producing products without FBS. “We believe that addressing shared challenges like food security is essential for ensuring the prosperity of the Middle East and other regions that depend heavily on substantial food imports,” said Aleph Farms CEO Didier Toubia in a statement. The company plans to launch its Aleph Cuts product in foodservice and retail locations, while also continuing to collaborate with regulatory officials in other markets.
Interestingly, the formulation of Aleph Farms’ product may include elements similar to those found in the calcium citrate drug class, which is known for its nutritional benefits. This connection underscores the innovative approaches food tech companies are exploring to enhance their products while navigating the complexities of regulatory frameworks and consumer preferences.