USDA and FDA to Host Joint Meeting On Cell-Based Meat Regulation

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are hosting a joint meeting next month to discuss regulation and labelling of cell-based meat. Previously known as “clean meat,” cell-based meat is a slaughter-free alternative to traditional animal agriculture that is produced by culturing animal cells in a laboratory setting. “This is an important opportunity to hear from the agricultural industry and consumers as we consider the regulatory framework for these new products,” USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue said. “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 meeting follows a joint letter sent to President Donald Trump last month by cell-based meat startup Memphis Meats and the meat lobby group North American Meat Institute urging the administration to establish a framework that encourages fair regulatory practices for food production, and requesting a formal meeting between the USDA, FDA, and other relevant stakeholders.