In a significant milestone for the alternative protein industry, U.S. regulators have approved both Upside Foods and Good Meat to sell their cultivated chicken products within the country. This approval marks another step forward in the development of cell-cultured or cultured meat, which is made from animal cells rather than slaughtered animals.
What is Cultivated Meat?
Cultivated meat is a complex process that involves developing animal cells in a laboratory and then using a fermentation process to create the final product. This method has been gaining attention in recent years due to its potential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving food safety, and increasing efficiency.
Upside Foods and Good Meat Receive Approval
Upside Foods and Good Meat, both based in California, have received approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to sell their cultivated chicken products in restaurants. Upside has already taken its first restaurant order and will provide limited quantities to Bar Crenn in San Francisco, while Good Meat has a partnership with a restaurant in Washington, DC, run by chef and owner José Andrés.
Approval Follows Labeling and Inspection
Today’s approval follows the USDA’s last week approving the way both companies were going to label their products. Both companies also received a grant of inspection from the USDA, which includes examination of facilities and equipment; standard operating procedure for sanitation; and the systematic approach to identification, evaluation, and control of food safety hazards.
Singapore was the Only Country Allowing Sales of Cultivated Chicken Prior to U.S. Approval
Prior to today’s approval, Singapore was the only country allowing sales of cultivated chicken. Good Meat was the first company to get approval to sell its cultivated chicken product there and received a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance in March, joining Upside Foods as the only two companies to move to that next stage of commercializing their products in the U.S.
Globally, Dozens of Companies are Working on Cultivated Meat
In addition to Singapore and the U.S., some regions like the United Kingdom are supporting this industry, while others (e.g., Italy) are questioning it. Globally, there are dozens of companies not far behind in getting cultivated or cell-cultured meat products on the market.
Industry Experts Remain Confident
Despite the challenges, some venture capitalists investing in the space remain confident. SOSV/IndieBio general partner Po Bronson said via email that the new approvals were "great for the cell-cultivated meat sector." He explained that much of the "cell-cultivated products coming to market are hybrid products" and that "as cell-cultured meat grows, this will shape and alter the alternative protein sector, impacting who aggregates and who doesn’t."
The Future of Cultivated Meat
This approval marks another step forward in the development of cultivated meat. With more companies entering the market and regulatory approvals in place, it’s likely that we’ll see increased adoption of this technology in the coming years.
Timeline of Key Events
- Singapore was the only country allowing sales of cultivated chicken prior to U.S. approval.
- Good Meat received FDA clearance in March to sell its cultivated chicken product.
- USDA approved labeling and inspection for both companies.
- Today, USDA granted approval for both companies to sell their products in restaurants.
