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Expert Commentary: Approval of Cultivated Meat in the US

Expert Commentary: Approval of Cultivated Meat in the US US Cultivated meat approvals Food and Beverage Business

On June 21 the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) granted permission to Good Meat and Upside Foods to produce and sell chicken that has been grown from sample animal cells in vats. This groundbreaking decision makes the US the second country in the world, following Singapore, to allow the sale of meat grown from animal cells.

Upside Foods pioneered cultured meat in the US and received initial approval from the USDA in November of last year. Since then, it has been working closely with the group’s Food Safety and Inspection Service to obtain the remaining approvals necessary for the sale of its cultivated chicken to consumers.

This significant milestone has been well-received by industry leaders. Krijn de Nood, the CEO and co-founder of Meatable, expressed his enthusiasm for Good Meat and Upside Foods’ final approval from the USDA, emphasizing that it marks a pivotal moment for the cultivated meat industry. He noted, “As an industry, it’s a moment to celebrate as we mark these companies successfully navigating the critical steps to the full commercialization of these products to meet the demands of consumers.” Nood also highlighted the positive regulatory landscape in the EU and UK, where governments are actively working to remove barriers and provide funding for innovation in food production, including cell-based foods. Moving forward, Meatable aims to secure regulatory approvals in Singapore and the US for their products.

The recent approvals are expected to generate renewed interest and significant investment in cellular agriculture technology, fostering further innovation in this rapidly evolving field. Adam Gregory, partner and head of the future food practice at intellectual property firm Mewburn Ellis, hopes that the UK’s Food Standards Agency (FSA) will also act promptly to seize the economic benefits that come with embracing this technology. Deloitte, in a report commissioned by the FSA, has already recommended changes to the UK’s Novel Foods Regulatory Framework, emphasizing that a good regulatory process should not hinder innovation. Gregory concludes, “Cultivated meat is poised to revolutionize the global food system, and the UK should look to act quickly if they want to enjoy a slice of the action.”

Che Connon, CEO of 3D Bio Tissues, is confident that the USDA’s approval will bring about a bright future for the cultivated meat industry, fueling growth for businesses in the sector. Connon points out that US food safety regulations are among the strictest worldwide, making today’s decision a significant step towards the government approval of other cultured meat producers in the US. This, in turn, will expedite the development of the cultivated meat market in America and provide a clear framework for other countries to follow.

Overall, the recent USDA approvals are a game-changer for the cultivated meat industry, allowing for the production and sale of cultivated meat products in the US. This milestone has garnered support and will likely spur further innovation, investment, and global growth in the field of cellular agriculture.

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