In a groundbreaking move, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has granted approval for the sale of cell-cultured chicken, signaling a significant milestone in the development of lab-grown meat. This decision opens the doors for consumers to experience this innovative alternative, as two pioneering startups, Good Meat (a subsidiary of Eat Just) and Upside Foods, proudly announced that they have received the first approvals from the USDA. With the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) having previously declared the lab-grown chicken safe for human consumption, this USDA approval now allows these companies to label and market their products as “cell-cultivated chicken.”
Healthier and Environmentally Friendly Meat:
Cultured meat, also referred to as cultivated, cell-based, or lab-grown protein, involves the growth of animal stem cells in a culture medium that provides nourishment for their development. These cells are then placed into a bioreactor, supporting their growth and resulting in a final product that closely resembles the taste and texture of traditional meat. Advocates of cultured meat assert that it offers health benefits and is more environmentally sustainable compared to conventionally produced meat. Outside the United States, Singapore is the only other country to have cleared the sale of cell-cultured meat.
Regulatory Approval and Inspection:
Before granting their approval, the USDA conducted inspections and assessments of the cultured meat facilities to ensure compliance with safety and quality standards. This regulation mirrors the inspection process conducted in traditional meat processing plants and slaughterhouses. By extending this oversight to cultured meat facilities, the USDA aims to safeguard consumer interests and maintain high standards within the industry.
Notable Culinary Partnerships:
Good Meat, in collaboration with its manufacturing partner Joinn Biologics, has also obtained approval to sell its cultured meat in Singapore. Since December 2020, consumers in Singapore have had access to these innovative products. The recent USDA approval has led to celebrated chef Jose Andres placing the first order of Good Meat’s cultured chicken, which will be served in an undisclosed restaurant in Washington, D.C. Similarly, Upside Foods has secured its first order for cultivated chicken, which will be featured in limited quantities at Bar Crenn, a renowned San Francisco establishment, overseen by chef Dominique Crenn.
Read More: Suzuki to launch flying cars in partnership with SkyDrive Inc.
Challenges and Promising Future:
While cultured meat startups have gained substantial funding and regulatory support, they still face several challenges before their products can achieve mainstream popularity. Scaling up production to meet demand, creating cost-effective growth media, and addressing consumer skepticism about lab-grown meat are among the hurdles to overcome. However, the industry holds great promise, with expectations suggesting that by 2030, cultured meat could account for up to half of 1% of the global meat supply, equating to billions of pounds and $25 billion in sales, according to McKinsey predictions.
The USDA’s approval for the sale of cell-cultured chicken is a monumental moment for the companies involved, the cultured meat industry, and the overall food system. With support from regulatory bodies and acclaimed culinary partnerships, the stage is set for a new era in meat production. As these innovative startups continue to refine their processes and technologies, their success could revolutionize the way meat reaches our tables, paving the way for a more sustainable future that balances choice, taste, and environmental considerations.
