The safety of cell culture-derived food: ready for scientific evaluation

Who is the EFSA?

To ensure the safety of cell culture-derived foods, such as lab-grown meat and dairy products from cells or microorganisms, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) conducts thorough assessments. These modern methods, which include techniques like tissue engineering and precision fermentation, have evolved from their origins in healthcare to play a role in food production. The EFSA’s methodical process includes input from experts, companies with a focus on these technologies, and consumer representatives, making sure that the evaluation of these new types of food meets the highest scientific and risk assessment standards.

Source: EFSA: The safety of cell culture-derived food: ready for scientific evaluation

In the European Union, the oversight of these foods is a collaborative effort between the European Commission and the individual Member States, with a strong focus on protecting consumers. This effort also takes into account the broader impacts on society and the environment, supporting the EU’s aim to create a sustainable food system from production to consumption.

How consumers feel about cell culture-derived foods depends on a set of qualities, which represent their views on how natural these foods are perceived through their taste but also their cost. Addressing people’s possible concerns and educating them about the environmental advantages of these technologies are crucial steps towards gaining public acceptance. Clear, honest and transparent communication about their safety, backed by strict, openly accessible and understandable evaluations and regulatory supervision, is absolutely… irrefutable.