Cell-Based Meat Labeling – Current Worldwide Legislation Status – A Review

Abstract

Abstract A growing interest has been noted among both industry operatives and consumers in cell-based meat (CBM), as visible in the increasing investment into this technology by major food industry corporations. However, in almost all countries worldwide, there is a lack of clear legislation with regard to the labeling of such products. The aim of the article is to collect and review current legal regulations concerning the international approval and labeling of these types of products. In the manuscript, we review and analyze the legal situation of CBM and its labeling in countries from 4 different continents (EU members, the UK, the USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, Japan, Singapore and Israel). Aside from Singapore, no other country has approved CBM for placement on the market. The US has reached an agreement and established regulatory frameworks on CBM matters, where both the USDA and the FDA will be the control institutions. Within the European Union, CBM products will be evaluated under the Novel Food Regulation. The most anticipated process in other countries is the evaluation of CBM under the legislation on novel foods and subsequent amendments. Since local laws are still being developed, special care should be taken by the policymakers to avoid implementing local laws which could cause a negative approach to the technology by the consumers.