“Cultivated meat revolution changing gear”, says global food awareness NGO, ProVeg.
Global food awareness NGO, ProVeg International, today welcomed the news that UPSIDE Foods has received a “no questions” letter from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for cultivated meat, poultry or seafood.
“This is fantastic news and means that the cultivated meat revolution is changing gear,” Mathilde Alexandre, Senior Project Manager for cellular agriculture at ProVeg, said.
UPSIDE Foods is the first company in the world to receive a “no questions” letter from the FDA, indicating that the company’s cultivated meat is safe to eat.
“This paves the way for cultivated meat to enter the US, a major market, bringing a method of meat production to America that emits less greenhouse gas and does not involve the suffering of animals”, Alexandre said. “It really is a ground-breaking development.”
Research from the UK Food Standards Agency has shown that assurance around the food safety of cultivated meat is one of the top factors for consumers to eat the product. UPSIDE Foods receiving the blessing from the FDA on its production method is a milestone in showing consumers that cultivated meat is safe to eat.
But only Singapore has given regulatory approval for cultivated meat so far, allowing cultivated chicken pieces to be sold there. Approval in a major market has been absent, including the EU, where it is not expected until 2025/2026.
ProVeg has published two reports this year helping industry to understanding consumer perception of cultivated meat and what images are best to use to market products. The reports can be found here.
ProVeg also runs the ProVeg Incubator, the world’s leading incubator for plant-based and cultivated foods. Under a 12-week accelerator programme, the Incubator offers startups an intensive, tailor-made curriculum, expert mentoring, funding and exclusive networking opportunities.
ENDS
For media inquiries, email Mathilde Alexandre at [email protected]
About ProVeg International
ProVeg is an international food awareness organisation working to transform the global food system by replacing conventional animal-based products with plant-based and cultured alternatives.
ProVeg works with international decision-making bodies, governments, food producers, investors, the media, and the general public to help the world transition to a society and economy that are less dependent on animal agriculture and more sustainable for humans, animals, and the planet.
ProVeg has permanent-observer status with the UNFCCC, is accredited for UNEA, and has received the United Nations’ Momentum for Change Award. ProVeg also has Observer Status at the IPCC.
