Lab-grown meat is expected to arrive at UK supermarkets soon, according to the Food Standards Agency (FSA).
- Applications for lab-grown variants like steak, beef, and chicken are increasing as companies push for market entry.
- Ensuring safety equivalent to traditional meat is a critical prerequisite for product launch.
- The FSA anticipates receiving around 15 more applications in the next two years.
- The approval process, engaging academic and industry experts, demands rigorous safety assessments.
Lab-grown meat is poised to make its debut in UK supermarkets, a move driven by growing interest and applications for innovative meat varieties. According to the Food Standards Agency (FSA), applications have already been received for products such as lab-grown steak, beef, chicken, and foie gras. This trend underscores a significant shift in consumer preferences and market dynamics towards sustainable and alternative protein sources.
The FSA’s chief scientific adviser, Professor Robin May, highlights the primary concern as ensuring these cultivated meats are as safe as traditional meat options. He remarks on the complexities involved in creating these products, noting the “complex cocktail of growth media and growth factors” used. There is an emphasis on verifying the absence of potentially hazardous genetic changes in cells, as product safety remains paramount.
In the coming two years, the FSA expects to handle approximately 15 more applications. This surge reflects the industry’s momentum towards diversifying meat sources in response to environmental and ethical considerations. However, the approval process is thorough, necessitating collaboration with academic experts and the lab-grown meat sector to establish a robust and efficient safety protocol.
Earlier this year, a milestone was achieved with a UK pet food brand becoming the first lab-grown meat entity to secure approval in Europe. This sets a precedent for human-grade products seeking marketplace entry, highlighting the rigorous standards and evaluations they must undergo to ensure consumer safety and trust.
With stringent safety assessments and collaborative efforts, lab-grown meat could soon become a staple in UK supermarkets.
