The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has published a report on regulatory frameworks for cell-based foods and precision fermented-derived products.

The paper reviews international frameworks, such as Codex Alimentarius and World Trade Organization (WTO) agreements, as well as national and regional regulations. While Codex Alimentarius has begun to consider cell-based and precision fermentation-derived foods within its work on novel food production systems, concrete international standards for these products remain at a formative stage, with discussions focusing on definitions, risk assessment principles, and hygienic practices.

Existing national and regional regulatory frameworks already cover many aspects relevant to cell-based and precision fermentation-derived food products, often through laws on novel food production systems (NFPS) or genetically modified foods. In many cases, new regulatory frameworks are not necessary. However, food safety authorities must clarify how existing regulations apply to these emerging products to ensure legal certainty, protect consumers, and enable market access, innovation, and international trade.

FAO recommends five priority actions for national and regional authorities:

1. Clarify existing frameworks: Review and clarify how existing laws apply to cell-based and precision fermentation-derived foods, removing ambiguities and ensuring that appropriate standards are consistently applied or adapted where necessary
2. Evaluate pre-market authorization requirements: Consider whether additional approval processes are necessary beyond general food safety regulations
3. Update and develop regulatory elements: Amend existing rules on labeling, permissible additives, enzymes, and processing aids, and develop guidance on manufacturing, hygiene, and good practices tailored to these new production methods
4. Promote international harmonization: Engage with bodies such as Codex Alimentarius to align standards globally, thereby improving food safety, reducing legal uncertainty, and facilitating trade
5. Ensure broad stakeholder engagement: Include producers, consumers, civil society, environmental groups, ethical bodies, trade associations, and public health authorities to ensure that regulations address safety, ethics, transparency, sustainability, and socioeconomic impacts.

The full report can be read here.