i- As announced on June 15, 2018, FDA is holding a meeting today to discuss the safety of innovative “cultured” food products (e.g., cultured meat). The meeting is scheduled to last from 8:30 am to 3 pm EDT and can be streamed on FDA’s website.
- In a June 18, 2018 Federal Register notice, FDA requested comments in advance of the meeting on the safety of foods produced using animal cell cultures. FDA specifically requested comments on what considerations should be taken into account when evaluating foods produced by animal cell culture technology, how the technology could have an impact on food safety, how to evaluate the inputs used in this technology, and what how to assess hazards that may be unique to the production of foods using animal cell culture technology.
- While FDA may be trying to take the lead in terms of federal agencies that will evaluate animal cell culture technology, there is some debate as to whether FDA or USDA should have jurisdiction over cultured meat. The United States Cattlemen’s Association, for example, appears eager for USDA to handle cultured meat issues, as it has submitted a petition asking USDA to exclude cultured products from the definition of beef and meat.
FDA Holds Public Meeting to Discuss the Safety of Food Produced Using Animal Cell Cultures
Thursday, July 12, 2018
