Further Analysis Regarding Cultivated Meat with a Response to the Article by Rabbi Yuval Cherlow

Abstract

Cultivated Meat is an emerging technology with the potential to revolutionize global food systems. As with any new technology, serious consideration needs to be given by halachic decisors as to the ramifications of the new technology and the halachic status of the product. Cultivated Meat is anticipated to bring about remarkable benefits for the environment, food supply, and animal welfare. These factors, whilst important, should not substitute for halachic analysis from first principles regarding whether such a product would be kosher or not and whether it has the status of meat. Complex questions need to be addressed regarding the nature of the starter cells, the growth medium, and whether the process of culturing impacts on the status of the final product. Meta-halachic considerations cannot uproot the fundamental principles of issur v’heter and should not be a reason to suggest a priori that cultivated meat will be kosher regardless of its origin.