Novel Foods: Key Trends in Cultivated Meat Regulation

David Bell
Jul 26
14 min read

Updated: Jul 28

Cultivated meat is reshaping how we think about food production - but strict rules govern its journey to your plate. Here's what you need to know:

What is it? Cultivated meat is grown from animal cells in a lab, offering an alternative to traditional farming.
Why does it matter? It's classified as a "novel food" in the UK and EU, meaning it must meet stringent safety and approval standards before hitting the market.
Current challenges: Regulatory delays are slowing progress. In the EU, it takes 2.5 years on average for approval, while Singapore completes reviews in under a year.
UK's approach: The UK is speeding things up with reforms, a new public register, and a "regulatory sandbox" to help start-ups navigate approvals faster.
Global landscape: Singapore, the US, and Israel are leading the way, while the UK is positioning itself as a hub for cultivated meat innovation.

The future of cultivated meat depends on clear regulations, consumer trust, and collaboration between governments, companies, and advocacy groups.

Current Regulatory Systems for Cultivated Meat

UK's Approval Process for Cultivated Meat

In the UK, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) oversees the approval of cultivated meat, categorising it as a novel food. The FSA handles both risk assessments and final decisions, making it a central authority in the process.

Currently, getting approval takes about 2.5 years and costs between £350,000 and £500,000 [3][4]. However, upcoming reforms aim to cut approval times by up to six months [3]. A new public register for regulated products will also replace the existing system that relies on a Statutory Instrument.

Professor Robin May, the FSA’s Chief Scientific Advisor, highlighted the agency's focus on balancing innovation with safety:

"Safe innovation is at the heart of this programme. By prioritising consumer safety and making sure new foods, like cell-cultivated products are safe, we can support growth in innovative sectors. Our aim is to ultimately provide consumers with a wider choice of new food, while maintaining the highest safety standards." [4]

To further streamline the process, the FSA has launched a two-year regulatory sandbox in collaboration with CARMA, NAPIC, and the Centre for Sustainable Protein. This initiative, involving eight startups, is expected to speed up approvals [4]. Additionally, the FSA anticipates receiving at least 15 new applications for cultivated protein products over the next two years [4].

Under the new reforms, once a product is authorised as safe, it won’t require reauthorisation, reducing administrative hurdles [3]. Science Minister Sir Patrick Vallance expressed the broader impact of these changes:

"Supporting safe development of cultivated products fuels business innovation and accelerating the UK's position as a global leader in sustainable food production." [4]

In comparison, the EU has a more layered regulatory system.

How EU Rules Compare to UK Rules

The EU, like the UK, focuses on food safety for novel foods but uses a multi-institutional framework. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) conducts risk assessments, while the PAFF Committee makes final authorisation decisions [1][2]. This process also includes a risk management phase, where representatives from member states vote on approvals.

The EU’s timeline for novel food authorisation ranges from 18 months to three years [1]. Transparency is a priority in both the UK and EU, with scientific opinions and approval conditions made publicly accessible [1]. However, the EU faces unique challenges, as some member states are strongly opposed to cultivated meat production [5].

Companies operating in both regions must navigate a mix of novel food and GMO regulations, depending on their production methods [2].

Linus Pardoe, Policy Manager at the Good Food Institute, pointed out the importance of these regulatory advancements:

"It's positive to see the Food Standards Agency taking much-needed steps to modernise its process while continuing to enforce one of the world's most robust regulatory systems – but these measures should just be the start." [3]

Global Regulatory Developments

Beyond the UK and EU, other countries are also shaping policies around cultivated meat. The global market for cultivated meat is expected to grow from USD 4.84 billion in 2025 to USD 25.34 billion by 2031, with an annual growth rate of 22.5% [6]. These developments are encouraging regions to modernise their regulatory systems.

Singapore led the way by becoming the first country to approve commercial sales of cultured meat. Following its example, Japan and South Korea are working on safety review processes, though timelines remain uncertain [5].

In Israel, Aleph Farms made history in December 2023 when it received a "no questions" letter from the health ministry, allowing it to sell cultivated beef [5]. Yifat Gavriel, Aleph Farms' Regulatory Affairs Chief, shared her thoughts:

"2024 stands to be a landmark year for the advancement of regulatory pathways and commercialisation of cultivated meat." [5]

Australia and New Zealand are also making headway. Vow Foods recently gained approval for cultured quail meat after a six-week public consultation process [5]. Simon Eassom, Executive Director of Food Frontier, commented on the importance of public trust:

"Public confidence around the introduction of novel food categories is always a vital step in gaining acceptance. The ultimate success of Vow's application will pave the way for Australia and New Zealand to take a lead in this exciting new era of food production." [5]

In the United States, the regulatory landscape is fragmented. While companies like UPSIDE Foods and Eat Just secured USDA approval for cell-based chicken in 2023, some states are actively opposing cultivated meat, creating a patchwork of regulations [5].

The UK is also exploring international partnerships. A potential bilateral agreement with Israel could fast-track approvals, giving UK companies quicker market access [5]. In 2022, British startups raised £61 million in funding for cultivated meat - outpacing the rest of Europe, which raised £45 million [5]. This highlights the sector’s momentum, even as it navigates regulatory complexities.

Recent Research and Public Views

What Consumers Think About Cultivated Meat

Recent surveys paint a mixed picture of British attitudes towards cultivated meat. According to a study by the Food Standards Agency, only 26% of Britons would consider adding cultivated meat to their diets, while 58% are opposed. Younger generations, particularly Generation Z, show slightly more openness, with 47% willing to try it compared to 43% who are hesitant. Men also appear more accepting than women, with 51% expressing support versus 28% of women. Over half of respondents acknowledged potential benefits, such as improved animal welfare, reduced environmental impact, and enhanced food security [7][8][9]. Interestingly, the terminology used plays a role in shaping opinions, with the term "cultivated" being more favourably received than alternatives like "lab-grown" [8].

Peter Cooper, director of global Omnibus services at Ipsos, highlighted the importance of early perception management:

"With limited knowledge about cultivated, or 'lab-grown' meat, there is a chance for producers to shape perceptions before it's done for them." [9]

These mixed opinions underscore the need for a strong focus on safety, transparency, and clear communication as cultivated meat enters the market.

Safety Testing and Labelling Issues

Safety remains a top concern for British consumers when it comes to cultivated meat. A Food Standards Agency study revealed that 85% of respondents worry about safety, citing risks related to growth media, potential genetic alterations, and contamination [11][12]. Professor Robin May stressed the importance of clear labelling, noting that while companies aim to produce meat indistinguishable from traditional options, the processes used are fundamentally different:

"The most important thing is that the food you buy is food you can trust. So I think people expect us to go as far as we possibly can in terms of establishing food safety." [11]

Consumers are calling for rigorous regulation and transparent labelling to ensure trust. However, some remain sceptical about whether such measures can completely eliminate the risks of unsafe products [8]. Beyond safety, there is growing demand for transparency about production methods. For instance, at a public tasting event hosted by UPSIDE Foods in Miami in June 2024, an attendee expressed frustration over unclear information regarding the use of animal-derived ingredients. This highlights the increasing insistence on verified claims about environmental and animal welfare benefits rather than relying solely on marketing promises [13].

These concerns are driving advocacy groups and policymakers to push for stricter standards and clearer communication.

How Advocacy Groups Help Shape Policy

Advocacy organisations, such as The Cultivarian Society, play a crucial role in framing cultivated meat as a solution to ethical and environmental challenges. They actively support refining regulatory frameworks and advancing efforts toward safer, more transparent food systems. The Cultivarian Society, in particular, champions the idea of producing real meat without animal slaughter, using education and public dialogue to promote this vision.

Seth Roberts, senior policy manager at the Good Food Institute Europe, highlighted the challenges ahead:

"Whether consumer attitudes change will depend on several factors. Regulatory approval will be key to helping consumers have confidence in the safety and nutritional quality of this food, but ultimately cultivated meat companies need to demonstrate they can develop delicious products that fit into people's food cultures." [10]

The farming community's role in these discussions is also gaining attention. Katherine Lewis, research engagement manager at the Royal Agricultural University, pointed out the importance of their involvement:

"The industry should be listening, openly and substantively, to farmers and recognising how much they have to contribute to the discussion." [10]

This collaborative approach - engaging consumers, regulators, and farmers - is increasingly seen as essential for the successful integration of cultivated meat into mainstream food systems.

New Trends and Regulatory Challenges

The cultivated meat industry is navigating a shifting regulatory environment, coupled with advancements in testing methods and labelling requirements. These changes are reshaping how safety is assessed and influencing strategies for bringing products to market. At the same time, they are driving updates to labelling standards and encouraging the development of new product formulations.

Better Methods for Safety Testing

Safety testing has taken a leap forward with the adoption of advanced analytics, toxicological assessments, and molecular techniques that align with stringent standards in the EU, US, and Singapore [16]. A notable milestone came in October 2023, when Vireo Advisors and its partners introduced analytical methods to reliably measure growth factors in cultured meat and seafood products [15]. This initiative aims to set standardised approaches for estimating exposure levels when these products are consumed.

Contamination risks remain a key focus for the industry. Recent data shows an average batch failure rate of 11.2% due to microbiological contamination. Interestingly, 79% of surveyed companies believe microbial risks in cultivated products will be lower than in conventional meat, which has a 3.2% failure rate in the biopharmaceutical sector [14]. To address these concerns, companies are employing predictive microbiological models, biofilm prevention techniques, and online sensors for real-time bioprocess monitoring. Many are also transitioning to animal-free media to further reduce risks [14].

Dr Vesa Turkki, Project Specialist at Biosafe, stressed the importance of safety in this emerging field:

"Cultivated foods are entering the regulatory spotlight. Our aim is to provide the right tools, grounded in science and fit for purpose, to support companies in building a robust safety narrative." [16]

Product Labels and Clear Information

Clear and specific labelling requirements are becoming a priority for regulatory authorities to ensure consumer transparency. In the US, the USDA reviews and approves all labels for cultivated meat and poultry before they hit the shelves. This ensures that descriptors clearly distinguish these products from conventional meat [18].

A prime example of regulatory success comes from UPSIDE Foods. In June 2023, the company achieved USDA Label Approval and a Grant of Inspection, becoming the first to secure clearance for producing, packaging, and selling cultivated chicken under full USDA-FSIS oversight. Their label, which reads "cell-cultivated chicken", carries the same USDA inspection seal as conventional meat [18].

Ingredient transparency is another area of focus. Proposals in US states are pushing for terms like "cell-cultivated" on labels, while EFSA conducts thorough assessments of nutritional profiles to ensure clarity for consumers [17][18].

Mixed Products and New Regulatory Questions

The rise of hybrid products - combining cultivated meat with plant-based or traditional ingredients - is adding new layers of complexity to the regulatory landscape. By varying the proportions of cultivated, precision-fermented, and plant-based components, companies can customise products to better align with market preferences.

This complexity mirrors the challenges seen in safety testing and labelling. For example, Mission Barns received FDA clearance in March 2025 for cultivated pork fat and plans to launch products like meatballs and bacon that blend plant-based proteins with cultivated pork fat. This approach targets consumers of plant-based foods, 90% of whom are not strictly vegetarian or vegan [19][21]. Similarly, GOOD Meat pioneered hybrid products with the introduction of cultivated chicken nuggets in Singapore in 2020, blending plant-based and cultivated ingredients [21]. These strategies not only address manufacturing capacity limits but also cut production costs, as cell culture media accounts for about 50% of material expenses [20].

George Zhelezyni, Co-Founder of Cultimate, underscored the importance of fat in these hybrid products:

"I think it was overlooked that the most important part of meat, taste-wise, is fat. Fat makes meat delicious, and we can replicate that in hybrid products." [21]

Hybrid products present unique regulatory challenges, as authorities work to create oversight frameworks for items that don’t fit neatly into existing categories. Companies must navigate these evolving rules while ensuring public acceptance of these innovative combinations.

Advocacy Groups and Working Together

As regulatory frameworks and safety standards for cultivated meat continue to evolve, collaboration becomes more important than ever. Advocacy groups, industry leaders, and policymakers need to join forces to create guidelines that balance forward-thinking innovation with consumer safety. These partnerships play a key role in advancing regulatory progress, ensuring that new developments in cultivated meat are both cutting-edge and trustworthy.

The Cultivarian Society's Mission

The Cultivarian Society is dedicated to promoting cultivated meat as genuine meat, produced without the need for animal slaughter. Their mission highlights the ethical, environmental, and social advantages of this approach, aiming to inspire policy changes and foster consumer trust in a more compassionate and sustainable food system rooted in science and individual choice.

Effective communication is central to their advocacy work. Research indicates that consumers are more receptive to terms like "cultivated" and "cultured" compared to "cell-cultivated" or "cell-cultured" [24]. This insight helps organisations like The Cultivarian Society craft messages that align with public preferences while maintaining scientific accuracy.

The group’s commitment to clear and transparent messaging complements broader regulatory efforts. For instance, studies show that consumers value government safety assurances, such as FDA or USDA approval labels [24]. Advocacy groups can work alongside regulators to ensure this kind of transparency, building trust and confidence in cultivated meat products.

How Different Groups Work Together

Regulating cultivated meat effectively requires teamwork across multiple sectors. In the UK, this collaboration is already taking shape. The government, for example, is developing Europe’s first cultivated meat regulatory sandbox. This initiative is designed to enhance the Food Standards Agency’s (FSA) understanding of novel foods [23].

The UK’s approach highlights the importance of engaging a wide range of stakeholders. By working closely with industry representatives, the FSA can speed up regulatory approvals [22]. On a global scale, international cooperation is also advancing. In October 2022, the APAC Regulatory Coordination Forum was launched. According to Mirte Gosker, managing director of the Good Food Institute (GFI) APAC, countries like Japan and South Korea are actively collaborating with industry groups to establish clear and efficient safety review processes [5].

Policy alignment further strengthens these efforts. The UK’s Government Food Strategy identifies alternative proteins as a priority growth area. Plans are in place to work with the FSA on developing guidance for the approval of new alternative protein products [22]. This creates a supportive environment where advocacy groups and regulators can address both safety and innovation challenges.

Collaborative projects, such as UK consortium initiatives, also play a key role in advancing cultivated meat development [22]. These efforts illustrate how advocacy groups, industry leaders, and regulators can collectively create pathways that encourage innovation while safeguarding consumer trust. By working together, they are laying the groundwork for a thriving, sustainable market for cultivated meat.

Conclusion: Main Points and What's Next

Key Regulatory Trends

The regulatory environment for cultivated meat is evolving rapidly. One of the most promising tools in this space is the concept of regulatory sandboxes, which allow governments to explore and support emerging technologies. The UK has taken a notable lead here, with its sandbox for cell-cultivated products showing encouraging progress. Dr Joshua Ravenhill, Head of the Cell-Cultivated Product Sandbox at the FSA, shared his optimism:

"Three months in, the programme is delivering exactly as we intended. We're confident the programme will meet all its objectives by 2027 - ultimately giving consumers a greater choice of safe foods" [26].

Efficient approval processes are becoming increasingly vital for countries aiming to stay competitive on a global scale. This contrasts with the EU's more time-consuming and costly novel food assessment processes. The role of private investment has been critical in advancing these regulatory efforts, with over $3 billion raised by companies since 2013. However, investment levels have dipped from the highs seen between 2020 and 2022 [27]. Globally, a divide is emerging: while some regions actively support cultivated meat with favourable frameworks, others remain more restrictive.

These developments are shaping the future of cultivated meat regulation, setting the stage for significant innovation.

Future Outlook

With streamlined approvals and successful regulatory sandboxes already making headway, the future of cultivated meat regulation appears bright in regions prioritising progress over barriers. The UK is positioning itself as a leader in this arena. Early achievements, such as Meatly's cell-cultivated chicken pet food debut at Pets At Home on 7 February 2025, highlight that safe and effective regulatory pathways are already operational. Collaboration between regulators, industry players, and advocacy groups like The Cultivarian Society continues to drive advancements [25].

Public–private partnerships are playing a key role in advancing research, while regulatory sandboxes are proving effective in building trust around safety and commercial feasibility. Looking forward, nations that establish clear and efficient routes for market entry are poised to attract the most investment and innovation. As one industry expert noted:

"The UK could become one of the first countries to create a clear, efficient pathway to market for cultivated products, unlocking innovation and speeding commercialisation" [26].

These trends suggest a future where consumers will have genuine choices in how their meat is produced - whether through traditional farming methods or cultivation. With robust frameworks in place, cultivated meat has the potential to deliver real meat without the need for slaughter, addressing ethical, environmental, and sustainability concerns while maintaining the high safety standards consumers demand.

FAQs

How does the UK's approach to regulating cultivated meat compare with countries like Singapore and the United States?

The UK is steadily advancing its regulatory framework for cultivated meat. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is expected to publish its safety findings within the next two years, marking an important step forward. Notably, some approvals were already issued in 2023, showcasing tangible progress in this area.

By contrast, Singapore took the lead back in 2020, becoming the first country to approve cultivated meat and establish a clear regulatory pathway. The United States joined the ranks in 2023, rolling out regulations to enable commercial sales. While the UK is making progress, its system is still in development, whereas Singapore and the US have already laid down more established frameworks.

What are the key safety concerns with cultivated meat, and how are they being managed under current regulations?

The primary safety concerns linked to cultivated meat revolve around microbial contamination, viral or prion infections, and chemical hazards. To tackle these issues, strict regulatory frameworks are in place. These frameworks mandate high standards for production facilities, enforce rigorous sanitation practices, and require adherence to existing food safety regulations. This ensures that cultivated meat is held to the same high safety standards as conventional meat.

Food safety authorities and regulators play a crucial role by requiring thorough testing and continuous monitoring throughout the production process. This guarantees that cultivated meat is produced in a clean and controlled environment, making it safe for consumption. By meeting these stringent requirements, cultivated meat presents itself as a reliable and secure alternative to traditional meat products.

How can consumers and advocacy groups shape cultivated meat regulations to balance innovation and safety?

Advocacy groups and consumers are key players in shaping how cultivated meat is regulated. By working with policymakers, spreading awareness, and encouraging discussions grounded in science, they can help create rules that balance progress with strict safety measures.

Advocacy organisations often team up with regulators to develop clear and supportive guidelines for cultivated meat. Meanwhile, consumers can make an impact by expressing their support for sustainable food systems and choosing products that reflect their principles. These combined efforts push us closer to a future of food that prioritises ethics, safety, and sustainability.