In a significant milestone for the alternative protein sector, U.S. regulators have approved both Upside Foods and Good Meat to sell their cell-cultured chicken products within the country.
What is Cell-Cultured or Cultivated Meat?
Cell-cultured or cultivated meat refers to proteins made from animal cells rather than slaughtered animals. This process often involves a fermentation process using bioreactors, which enables the large-scale production of high-quality protein with minimal environmental impact.
Upside Foods and Good Meat: Pioneers in Cell-Cultured Chicken
Upside Foods and Good Meat, both based in California, have been at the forefront of cell-cultured meat innovation. They will now be able to serve their food in restaurants, marking a significant step forward for this emerging industry.
- First Restaurant Order: Upside Foods has already taken its first restaurant order from Bar Crenn in San Francisco, while Good Meat has partnered with José Andrés’ restaurant in Washington, DC.
- Labeling and Inspection: The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) last week approved the labeling of both companies’ products, ensuring that consumers have accurate information about their food choices.
Regulatory Framework for Cell-Cultured Meat
The regulatory framework for cell-cultured meat is complex and multi-faceted. In the United States, companies must receive approval from both the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the USDA before commercializing their products.
- FDA and USDA Approval: Today’s announcement follows last week’s approval of labeling for both companies’ products.
- Grant of Inspection: Good Meat received a grant of inspection from the USDA for its demonstration plant in Alameda, along with its contract manufacturing partner, JOINN Biologics.
Global Expansion: A Look at the Competition
The cultivated meat industry is rapidly expanding globally, with dozens of companies vying to bring their products to market. Singapore was previously the only country allowing sales of cultivated chicken, but the U.S. has now become a key player in this emerging sector.
- Singapore and the U.S.: Good Meat was the first company to receive approval to sell its cultivated chicken product in Singapore and received FDA clearance in March.
- Global Competition: The UK is also supporting this industry, while others (e.g., Italy) are questioning it. Globally, there are dozens of companies not far behind in getting cell-cultured meat products on the market.
Venture Capitalists Remain Confident
Despite regulatory challenges and public-market woes, venture capitalists remain confident about the future of alternative protein.
- Confidence: SOSV/IndieBio general partner Po Bronson said via email that the new approvals were ‘great for the cell-cultured meat sector’ and that he remains optimistic about its prospects.
- Investment Opportunities: The cultivated meat industry offers significant investment opportunities, with companies seeking to bring their innovative products to market.
Conclusion
The approval of Upside Foods and Good Meat’s cell-cultured chicken products marks a significant milestone for the alternative protein sector. As the industry continues to grow and expand globally, it is likely that we will see even more innovation and investment in this emerging field.
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