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Regulations have been agreed in the US for the production and sale of cell-cultured meat from livestock and poultry for human consumption.
The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a formal agreement with the US Department of Health and Human Services to decide oversight roles and responsibilities.
We don’t know anything at all about scaled-up production
The production of cell-cultured meat still remains relatively expensive, but some see it as the future and a way in which “cruelty-free” meat can be produced.
Those on the counter argument believe that the taste and texture of meat can never be emulated in a lab environment.
However, many will see the USDA’s announcement of formal regulation for cell-cultured meat as a positive step for the new industry.
Inspections
Inspectors are also being trained on how to grade cell-cultured meat for human consumption.
“There is a lot that we don’t know. I mean we don’t know anything at all about scaled-up production of these products in terms of what they’re going to look like,” food safety and inspection service administrator Carmen Rottenberg said.
“We have an idea and we’ve talked to scientists and we’ve talked to producers but we haven’t seen it yet.”
Labelling
“In terms of records review and what inspectors are going to be looking at, it will be records that ensure the safety and wholesomeness of the product, to ensure that the products are properly labelled.
“There will be training involved for inspection personnel who will be inspecting but ultimately I would envision these facilities being on-patrol assignments for our consumer safety.”
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