US plans debate for animal cell culture technology to develop products derived from livestock & poultry

11 Sep 2018 --- A joint public meeting to discuss the use of cell culture technology to develop products derived from livestock and poultry is to be hosted by the US government officials in the fall. Hosted by the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), it will focus on the potential hazards, oversight considerations, and labeling of cell cultured food products derived from livestock and poultry.

“This is an important opportunity to hear from the agricultural industry and consumers as we consider the regulatory framework for these new products,” says US Secretary of Agriculture, Sonny Perdue.

“American farmers and ranchers feed the world, but as technology advances, we must consider how to inspect and regulate to ensure food safety, regardless of the production method.”

“The FDA knows just how vital it is to ensure the safety of our nation’s food supply and the critical role science-based, modern regulatory frameworks are to fostering innovation. Recent advances in animal cell cultured food products present many important and timely technical and regulatory considerations for the FDA and our partners at USDA,” adds FDA Commissioner, Scott Gottlieb. “We look forward to the opportunity to hold a meeting with our USDA colleagues as part of an open public dialogue regarding these products.”

The first day of the meeting will focus primarily on the potential hazards that need to be controlled for the safe production of animal cell cultured food products and oversight considerations by regulatory agencies. The second day of the meeting will focus on labeling considerations.

The joint public meeting, hosted by the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service and the FDA, will focus on the potential hazards, oversight considerations, and labeling of cell cultured food products derived from livestock and poultry.

Representatives of industry, consumer groups and other stakeholders are invited to participate in the meetings which are scheduled for October 23 and 24.