USDA, FDA to host joint public meeting on cell-cultured meat

Washington-based U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will host a joint public meeting Oct. 23-24 about cell-based meat, which is produced by culturing animal cells outside of an animal, to investigate how the market might be regulated and how such products should be described on food labels.

The meeting will focus on the potential hazards, oversight considerations and the labeling of cell cultured food products derived from livestock and poultry.

“This is an important opportunity to hear from the agricultural industry and consumers as we consider the regulatory framework for these new products,” said Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue in a press release. “American farmers and ranchers feed the world, but as technology advances, we must consider how to inspect and regulate to ensure food safety, regardless of the production method.”

“The FDA knows just how vital it is to ensure the safety of our nation’s food supply and the critical role science-based, modern regulatory frameworks are to fostering innovation,” said FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb in a statement. “Recent advances in animal cell cultured food products present many important and timely technical and regulatory considerations for the FDA and our partners at USDA.”

Industry representatives, consumer groups and other stakeholders are invited to attend the meeting. Attendees are encouraged to pre-register at the meetings and events page.