Simple Planet, a food-tech start-up based in Seoul, has announced its strategic initiative to pursue Halal certification for its cell-based food products. This move aims to tap into the burgeoning global Halal market, which is increasingly seeking innovative food solutions.

The recent endorsement from the Korea Muslim Federation (KMF), which issued a Fatwa recognising cell-based food products and ingredients as Halal, significantly bolsters Simple Planet's efforts. This Fatwa marks the second of its kind globally, following a similar ruling from the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS).

Such endorsements are crucial as they provide a framework for the acceptance of these products within the Muslim community.

In a related development, Simple Planet has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Halal Science Center at Chulalongkorn University in Thailand. This partnership is focused on facilitating the Halal certification process for cell-based food products, which is vital for meeting the stringent requirements of the Halal market.

The collaboration underscores the importance of scientific validation in the certification process, ensuring that products not only meet Halal standards but also adhere to high safety and quality benchmarks.

Simple Planet has also made strides in its production capabilities by developing an edible, serum-free culture medium derived from probiotics. This innovation is a significant step toward achieving Halal certification, as it aligns with the requirements for using Halal-compliant ingredients in cell-based food production.

The company’s commitment to sourcing ingredients from Halal-certified sources further supports its goal of producing compliant and safe food options for Muslim consumers.

The KMF's Fatwa stipulates that cell-based ingredients can be classified as Halal if they originate from Halal sources and are produced in accordance with established Halal standards. This recognition is pivotal for Simple Planet as it seeks to penetrate the Halal market, which is projected to grow significantly in the coming years, driven by increasing consumer demand for ethical and sustainable food options.

While the Fatwa serves as a guiding principle, it is important to note that final Halal certification will require comprehensive inspections of production facilities and processes. This step is essential to ensure compliance with both Halal and food safety regulations, providing confidence to consumers regarding the integrity of the products.

Dominic Jeong, CEO of Simple Planet, commented: “The global food crisis caused by climate change is a critical issue that the world is paying close attention to. By developing cell-based ingredients that can be safely supplied without being affected by environmental factors, we aim to enhance accessibility to cell-based foods, contribute to food security and help alleviate hunger worldwide.”