Food Standards Agency Launches Groundbreaking Regulatory Program for Cell-Cultivated Products

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has launched a pioneering two-year regulatory program to evaluate cell-cultivated products (CCPs). In collaboration with academic institutions, the CCP industry, and trade organizations, the initiative aims to collect rigorous scientific evidence on the production and safety of these products. The goal is to ensure that the Food Standards Agency (FSA) and Food Standards Scotland (FSS) can regulate products effectively. This evidence will help streamline the approval process for cell-cultivated product applications and establish clear guidelines for businesses seeking market entry.

The FSA has committed to completing the full safety assessment of two CCPs within the next two years. This effort underscores the agency’s dedication to balance safety with expanding consumer choice in novel food products.

Image of Professor Robin May from The Food Standards Agency

“Safe innovation is at the heart of this program. By prioritizing consumer safety and making sure new foods, like CCPs, are safe, we can support growth in innovative sectors,” says Professor Robin May, Chief Scientific Advisor at the FSA.

Eight cell-cultivated product companies from various countries have been selected through a rigorous selection process to support the program. The chosen companies include Hoxton Farms (UK), BlueNalu (USA), Mosa Meat (Netherlands), Gourmey (France), Roslin Technologies (UK), Uncommon Bio (UK), Vital Meat (France), and Vow (Australia). Their participation ensures diverse technologies, processes, and ingredients are used in the CCP industry. The program’s international reach establishes multiple approaches to CCP production that are evaluated under stringent regulatory oversight.

Beyond industry collaboration, the FSA also works closely with academic and trade partners to evaluate CCPs. Key academic institutions include the Cellular Agriculture Manufacturing Hub (CARMA) at the University of Bath, the National Alternative Protein Innovation Center (NAPIC), and the Bezos Center for Sustainable Protein. The Alternative Proteins Association (APA) and the Good Food Institute Europe (GFI) will represent industry interests and support regulatory developments.

The UK government views this initiative as an opportunity to enhance consumer trust, accelerate innovation, and position the country as a global leader in sustainable food production.

Read more on: Food Standards Agency Cell-Cultivated Products