Current Trends and Prospects of Halal-Cultured Meat in Malaysia
Abstract
Cultured meat, sometimes called in vitro, clean or cell-based meat, is an innovative approach to sustainable food production, addressing urgent problems like those surrounding wellbeing, the environment and health. Although the prospects for cultured meat are good, consumer acceptance is a key determinant for successful entry into the market. This paper aims to review the current trend and perspective of halal cultured meat in Malaysia. A review analysis was used in this paper to study the current literature on halal cultured meat with special reference to the evolution, challenges, and potential in Malaysia. The review analysis revealed several current trends and prospects of halal-cultured meat in Malaysia, including: (a) the process of cultured meat; (b) the challenges of the development of cultured meat; (c) the markets of cultured meat; (d) the halal parameters of cultured meat; and (e) the consumers' acceptance of cultured meat. In conclusion, the introduction of halal-cultured meat to the Malaysian market depends upon the intricate negotiation of the dynamics of consumer education, strategic communication, and the larger sociocultural and religious context. Future studies should include longitudinal research to measure behaviour change as a result of educational outreach and cross-cultural comparison of meat perception, religious adherence and product identity.
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