Over the past two years, plant-based food consumption has grown by 49% across the EU, reaching a total sales volume of €3.6 billion.
Opinion: Halal certification organizations, lab-grown meat and the labeling debate
2025-05-15
MuslimHalalCertification bodies play an important role. They issue HalalHalalMeat certificates are issued and shipped with every shipment to Muslim-majority countries. Hundreds of these organizations exist worldwide. Some are better staffed and equipped than others to carry out monitoring and verification activities. Verification activities are necessary because the increasing globalization and complexity of the global meat industry increases the risk of food fraud and cross-contamination with other meat species.
According to a report,20%Samples of sausages labeled as containing only one type of meat were found to be cross-contaminated with other types of meat. For example, sausages labeled as beef contained only pork. When lab-grown meat enters the market, it could become another source of cross-contamination. How lab-grown meat is defined by its regulators will have a significant impact.HalalThe question meat consumers want answered is:MuslimHalalWhat exactly are certification bodies doing in the labeling battle?
A review of these events shows that investors like billionaire Bill Gates and US agricultural giants Cargill and Tyson are optimistic about the future of lab-grown meat, which they believe is environmentally friendly. Some other countries, such as Israel, are also investing in the technology. Because this new technology often brings new concerns, the American Cattlemen's Association filed a petition asking the US Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service to remove so-called "lab-grown meat" from the definition of "beef" and "meat." At the time,FSISInterested parties are asked to submit their comments.2018Year5moon5As someone who cares about Muslim issues, I made the following comments:
1、Because lab-grown meat does not involve animal slaughter, halal law scholars may find it does not meet halal requirements. This could have implications for U.S. exports of halal meat to halal countries.HalalPotential impact of meat.
2、Whatever the reason, some consumers may want to avoid consuming lab-grown meat. Therefore, lab-grown meat should be clearly stated on product labels so consumers can make an informed decision at the grocery store.
3、Regardless of which regulatory agency has jurisdiction over lab-grown meat, the federal “inspection seal” should be a different shape from the circular one currently used for livestock and poultry products.
The debate over how lab-grown meat should be labeled continues, with some states, such as Missouri, having passed bills requiring only conventional meat to be labeled “meat” in an effort to protect traditional agriculture.HalalCertification bodies canIjtehad"It would be great to present their views on lab-grown meat and make them known to the public. Public awareness of their views would help many consumers make informed decisions when lab-grown meat and poultry products are sold in supermarkets and restaurants."
The author is the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service(USDA, FSIS)A former employee of the agency that regulates the meat industry.