|By Green Queen

Landmark Fatwa Positions Malaysia as a Global Halal Food Authority

Malaysia has issued a groundbreaking religious ruling stating that cultivated meat may be considered halal, provided it fulfills specific Islamic requirements. The decision, released by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM), marks the first time a Muslim-majority country has formally recognized lab-grown meat as permissible for Muslim consumption under Sharia law.

The ruling was delivered through Malaysia’s National Muzakarah Committee, following deliberations held in September. While a fatwa is not legally binding, it serves as a critical religious reference for Muslims worldwide, especially on emerging issues not explicitly addressed in the Quran.

As one of the world’s most influential halal markets, Malaysia’s stance is expected to shape global halal standards and influence regulatory frameworks across Muslim-majority regions.

Conditions Required for Cultivated Meat to Be Halal

JAKIM clarified that cultivated meat must meet strict halal criteria throughout its production process. Source cells must originate from animals that are halal and slaughtered according to Islamic law. Cell lines derived from prohibited animals, including pigs, are strictly forbidden.

The authority also ruled that growth media used during cultivation must be sourced entirely from halal-compliant materials. This excludes the use of fetal bovine serum, which remains common in some cultivated meat processes. Supporting biological components, such as growth factors, enzymes, hormones, and gelatin—must likewise originate from halal sources.

These requirements aim to ensure that cultivated meat adheres fully to Islamic dietary principles, from initial cell sourcing through final production.

Strengthening Global Acceptance of Cultivated Meat

Malaysia’s ruling follows similar religious decisions issued in recent years by Islamic authorities in Singapore and South Korea, reinforcing growing acceptance of cultivated proteins within Muslim communities. In mid-2024, the International Islamic Fiqh Academy, one of the most prominent Islamic legal bodies, also confirmed the permissibility of cultivated meat under comparable conditions.

Earlier endorsements from leading Sharia scholars in Saudi Arabia and the Assembly of Muslim Jurists of Americafurther illustrate increasing religious consensus on the issue.

According to Mirte Gosker, CEO of the Good Food Institute APAC, Malaysia’s fatwa sends a strong signal to global markets. She noted that the decision will accelerate collaboration among regulators, scientists, and food innovators while supporting the development of a more sustainable protein system.

Strategic Impact on the Global Halal Market

The global halal meat market is projected to grow at an annual rate of 7%, reaching an estimated value of US$1.6 trillion by 2032. With cultivated meat gaining religious approval, producers now have clearer pathways to access Muslim consumer markets.

A 2023 industry survey found that nearly 87% of cultivated meat companies prioritise halal compliance, though many cite limited guidance as a key barrier. Malaysia’s ruling helps close that gap by offering concrete standards for certification.

This decision also aligns with Malaysia’s broader government-led feasibility study on future foods, positioning the country as a regional leader in halal innovation, food security, and alternative protein development.

A New Chapter for Halal Food Innovation

By issuing clear religious guidance on cultivated meat, Malaysia has laid the foundation for broader adoption of alternative proteins within the halal ecosystem. The ruling not only strengthens consumer confidence but also opens new opportunities for startups, investors, and policymakers seeking ethical, sustainable, and Sharia-compliant food solutions.

As global demand for halal products continues to rise, Malaysia’s leadership may redefine how innovation intersects with faith-based food systems worldwide.

Original Article:

Mridul, A. (2025). Cultivated meat can be halal, declares Malaysia’s Islamic authority. Green Queen. Retrieved from https://www.greenqueen.com.hk/lab-grown-meat-cultivated-halal-muslims-malaysia-islamic-jakim/