Aleph Farms, an Israeli food startup, announced on Wednesday that it has received approval from Israeli regulators to sell beef from cow cells in a process that takes animals out of the equation, Reuters reported.

“Culturized” meat, better known as artificial or synthetic meat, has gained attention in recent years as some companies and non-governmental organizations offer it as an alternative to traditional animal production, a process that generates significant carbon emissions.

Some organizations also claim that artificial meat production is more ethical because it does not involve cruelty to animals.

The positive approval granted by Israel’s Ministry of Health marks a key moment for the introduction of artificial beef products into Israeli stores and supermarkets.

“This milestone, the first of its kind in the world, reflects a comprehensive assessment of key factors, from toxicology to allergens and nutritional composition, microbiological and chemical safety throughout the production process,” said Ziva Hamama, director of the food department. security at the Ministry of Health of Israel.

Hamama also says it is currently in discussions with other companies that want to bring similar products to market.

Artificial meat is considered “kosher” in Israel.

Israel is the world leader in the artificial meat market, and other companies offer alternatives to traditional chicken and fish products.

Aleph Farms has raised about $140 million in various funding rounds launched since its founding in 2017, boasting that American actor Leonardo DiCaprio sits on its advisory board.

A year ago, the company also received the green light from Israel’s chief rabbinate, which ruled that artificial beef products are “kosher.”

Aleph Farms also said Wednesday that it is following the health ministry’s final labeling guidelines and is awaiting a final inspection of its plant in central Israel, where the type of meat is produced.

The company said it hopes to begin shipping to restaurants and then retail in a few months.

Aleph Farms says its agronomic engineers collect cell samples from living animals, cells that are then grown in a “cultivator” that mimics the conditions inside the animal’s body.

The cells are also mixed with proteins derived from soy and wheat, but the final product is different from the plant-based meat alternative, which has no animal origin.