Yesterday it was reported that Chief Rabbi Lau published a halachic opinion on the kashrut status of a particular brand of cultured meat, a subject which has been debated particularly over the year or so.
Kosher cheeseburgers? Chief rabbi rules some cultured meat may not be ‘fleishig’
After examining their production line and interviewing company scientists and officials, Rabbi Lau ruled that Aleph Farms' cultured meat products should be considered Parve. However, this does not necessarily allow for eating cheeseburgers and the like, because of mar'it ayin (i.e., that you look like you're sinning to someone who is not aware of all of the details of situation). It would mean, though, that you'd be able to have a completely parve Shabbat meal with meat and the works, and then have Ben & Jerry's (dairy) ice cream for dessert. Hypothetically, of course.
The full discussion in Hebrew by Rabbi Lau in PDF form is available via a link in the article.
Kosher cheeseburgers? Chief rabbi rules some cultured meat may not be ‘fleishig’
After examining their production line and interviewing company scientists and officials, Rabbi Lau ruled that Aleph Farms' cultured meat products should be considered Parve. However, this does not necessarily allow for eating cheeseburgers and the like, because of mar'it ayin (i.e., that you look like you're sinning to someone who is not aware of all of the details of situation). It would mean, though, that you'd be able to have a completely parve Shabbat meal with meat and the works, and then have Ben & Jerry's (dairy) ice cream for dessert. Hypothetically, of course.
The full discussion in Hebrew by Rabbi Lau in PDF form is available via a link in the article.