US approval for cultivated meat ‘provides a framework’ for Europe

Cultivated grown is on its way to American plates — and European startups want a spot in the kitchen.

In a landmark moment for the sector, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has given two companies approval to sell lab-grown meat, which is made by taking cells from living animals. After extraction, the cells are placed in a bioreactor and grown into muscle tissue. Finally, the flesh is shaped into the type of cuts found on supermarket shelves.

Proponents say the process reduces our carbon footprint and prevents animal suffering, while producing the same meat products that we know and love. It could also be big business: consulting firm McKinsey predicts the market for cultivated meat could reach $25 billion (€23 billion) by 2030.

That market could now slowly start to open up. Only Singapore had previously permitted sales of cultivated meat. The USDA approval brings one of the world’s biggest consumers and producers of meat to the table. It could also push other countries to take a seat.

“European companies are beginning to look across the Atlantic.

In Europe, cultivated meat startups want regulators to follow the USDA’s lead. Among them are 3D Bio-Tissues, a Newcastle University spin-out. In February, the Newcastle University spin-out unveiled the first-ever lab-grown steak fillet.

Che Connon, the firm’s CEO, described the new approvals as “a monumental milestone” for the industry.

“US regulations for food safety are some of the most stringent in the world… This decision has the potential to rapidly accelerate the development of the cultivated meat market in America and provides a clear framework for other countries to also follow,” he said. 

This is the 'world's first' 100% cultivated pork steak. Fancy a bite?

      Guidantech
      Logo
      Shopping cart