
A new parliamentary research project has been approved to consider opportunities and challenges from the production of cultivated meat.
Cultivated meat is made from animal cells grown in fermenters, where they divide in a solution containing nutrients. Cultivated meat has been approved for human consumption in Singapore, the USA, and Israel. In July 2024, the UK became the first country in Europe to approve the sale of cultivated meat in pet food.
Cultivated meat may offer a sustainable protein-rich alternative to conventional meat, and play a part in ensuring food security. However, challenges include cost, scalability, regulatory hurdles, and public perception.
A Parliamentary “POSTnote” dated 7th January 2025 states that it aims to outline the major challenges, opportunities, and risks associated with approving the sale of cultivated meat for human consumption in the UK. It will consider research into environmental, social, nutrition and economic impacts and explore stakeholder perspectives.
Information on issues relevant to the project are welcomed before 21st February 2025 and should stakeholders be interested to contribute to this research, they are requested to please follow the guidance for contributors.
Publication is expected in May 2025.