US, China to discuss cell-cultivated protein approval process

U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulatory experts will attend a virtual consultation with counterparts from the China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment (CFSA) to discuss cultivated meat and its approval process.

The event will take place virtually and is organized by the AgFood Future Center of Excellence and the Agriculture Food Partnership, Supermarket Perimeter reported.

“These meetings provide opportunities for start-ups, financiers, and ultimately, all players involved in protein innovation,” AgFood Future Chairman Ryan Xue said. “This in-depth sharing between the U.S. and China will have far-reaching significance for governments and industries interested in seeing the adoption of food innovation that will help shape food innovation and the future of food in the U.S., China, and the world.”

This will be the first conversation between the U.S. and China regarding the approval process for cultivated meat. In November 2022, the FDA issued its first formal ruling on a cell-cultivated product, ruling Upside Foods’ cell-cultivated chicken product was safe for human consumption.

“FDA is communicating with different companies, and we are preparing public guidelines for the industry,” Fasano said. “As companies engage with more regulators, more reviews and approvals get completed, adding to the global body of knowledge to jointly promote food technology innovation and food safety.”

Photo courtesy of DyrElena/Shutterstock