Cultivated protein is moving from concept to commercialization, but a fragmented mix of federal progress, state-level restrictions, and uneven global regulation makes regulatory strategies a key determinant of success.
Effective July 1, HB 1153 bans the sale of milk products produced through cell-culturing and sets forth labeling requirements for products containing cell-based, insect-based, or plant-based protein.
The paper reviews international frameworks and national and regional regulations. FAO recommends priority actions for national and regional authorities.
As a result of the ongoing Cell-Cultivated Products sandbox program, the UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) has published the first of several guidances on the food safety and hygiene of cell-cultured food production; specifically, on HACCP and other applicable requirements under UK regulations for lab-grown meat.
The UK Food Standards Agency’s (FSA’s) Market Authorization Innovation Research Program (IRP) is aimed at helping UK authorities efficiently regulate emerging food production technologies—especially precision fermentation—while supporting businesses and innovation.
Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has received official approval for four changes to the Food Standards Code. It has also provided new targeted guidance on microbiological safety and hygiene for seafood and cell-cultured products.
Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has approved its first cell-based food product—quail meat—bringing the product closer to market and establishing a regulatory framework in the national Food Standards Code.
Mississippi has become the third U.S. state to ban cell-based food products with the passage of House Bill 1006. As of July 1, 2025, it will be illegal to sell or distribute any cultivated food product in the state.
South Dakota has joined the list of states with legislation targeting cell-based meat, which includes Florida and Alabama, by recently passing a law that prohibits the award or use of state funds for the research, production, promotion, sale, or distribution of cell-cultured protein.
The UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) has selected eight companies and other partners to take part in its two-year Cell-Cultivated Products sandbox program, which will inform how the agency regulates cell-cultured foods and will result in the full safety assessment of two products.
