Plant-Based Impossible Burger Is Now Halal Certified

This week, plant-based startup Impossible Foods received halal certification from the Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America (IFANCA) under the Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia (JAKIM) regulations. “Halal” means “lawful” in Arabic and is a designation given to foods that comply with Islamic dietary restrictions—which most commonly refers to certain methods of animal slaughter. Auditors from IFANCA visited Impossible Foods’ production facility in Oakland, CA to make the determination that the facility, ingredients, and production process of the plant-based Impossible Burger meet the dietary standards outlined in the Koran. “Securing halal certification is a significant milestone for us,” Impossible Foods Chief Operating Officer David Lee said. “Our goal is to make plant-based meat available to everyone around the world—including to those who have religious dietary restrictions. We’re thrilled that the Impossible Burger can now be served in halal establishments.” Starting today, street-food cart Royal Grill Halal—New York City’s highest-rated Yelp street vendor—will become the first business of its kind to add the newly certified Impossible Burger to its menu. In May, the Impossible Burger obtained kosher certification from Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America.