USDA-FSIS and FDA unveil an agreement on the regulation of cell-based proteins

United States Department of Agriculture- Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA-FSIS) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA), published an outline of their agreement on how to regulate the budding cell-based meat industry in the US. This agreement gives the FDA oversight of cell collection, cell banks, and cell growth and differentiation. FSI will take over during the cell harvest stage, overseeing production and labeling of human food products derived from the cells of livestock and poultry. According to MeatingPlace, most industry representatives breathed a collective sigh of relief that the agreement finally had been reached. Some in the industry are concerned that cell-based meat will be labeled as beef, while others are concerned that the US will be left behind Israel, China, Japan, the Netherlands, Singapore and other countries that are moving quickly to ensure a clear path to market for this method of meat production. For example “..our position that the term ‘meat,’ and more specifically ‘beef,’ refers to products derived exclusively from the flesh of a bovine animal harvested in the traditional manner," USCA’s Graner said. "Under the formal agreement, it appears that USDA FSIS will issue the USDA meat inspection stamp to be used on [cell-based] products. Good Food Institute Director of Policy Jessica Almy said the agreement “is a significant step forward in providing a transparent and predictable regulatory path to market for cell-based meat, which will help to ensure that the U.S. does not fall behind. @ https://www.meatingplace.com/Industry/News/Details/84412