Aleph Farms, an Israeli cultivated meat firm, has submitted Thailand's first regulatory approval application for cultivated beef products to the National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology under Thai FDA guidelines for novel foods.

The regulatory process for novel foods typically takes around 18 months, suggesting potential approval by mid-2026. Upon approval, Aleph Farms plans to launch its Petit Steak product under the Aleph Cuts brand in partnership with Thai Union.

Aleph Farms and Thai Union spent nearly a year working with Thai regulatory agencies to establish the regulatory framework for cultivated meat in the country. This submission marks Aleph Farms' fourth regulatory filing globally, following previous submissions in Israel, Switzerland, and the UK.

Analyst QuickTake: In preparation for its entry into the Thai market, Aleph Farms recently held a chef evaluation in Thailand to gather expert insights and tailor its products to meet local culinary preferences. Further, in February 2024 , the company partnered with bio-based innovation company BBGI and synthetic biology firm Fermbox Bio to build Thailand's first production plant for cellular agriculture applications.