Upside Foods, a trailblazer in the cultivated meat industry, has achieved another significant milestone by securing the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) label approval for its cell-based meat. The approval brings the company closer to launching its innovative product into the commercial market.
The approval process was carried out under the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), which ensures the country’s commercial supply of meat, poultry, and egg products is safe, wholesome, and correctly labeled.
This achievement marks a significant step forward for the cultivated meat industry, as it is the first time a company has secured USDA label approval for a product of this kind. It underlines Upside Foods’ commitment to innovation and safety while pushing the boundaries of sustainable and ethical meat production.
“Cultivated meat” refers to meat grown from animal cells in a lab. This process could transform the global meat industry by reducing the environmental impact of traditional meat production and addressing animal welfare concerns. The industry is still in its nascent stages, and regulatory approval has been one of the significant hurdles facing these products.
Upside Foods’ USDA label approval for cultivated meat signifies a shift in how meat products can be sourced and produced, potentially paving the way for a more sustainable and humane food system.
“Receiving the USDA’s label approval is a major achievement and a critical step forward for the cultivated meat industry,” a representative of Upside Foods said. “This brings us closer to our goal of commercializing our product, offering consumers a sustainable and ethical choice regarding meat consumption.”
Upside Foods, formerly known as Memphis Meats, has pioneered cell-based meat production since its establishment. The company has garnered significant attention and funding from various sources, including high-profile investors like Bill Gates and Richard Branson.
This approval could trigger a wave of further regulatory approvals and acceptance worldwide, accelerating the growth of the cultivated meat industry. However, there are challenges, including public perception, scalability, and cost-effectiveness, which Upside Foods and others in the field must tackle moving forward.
With this latest development, Upside Foods continues to lead the charge in moving the cultivated meat industry from the lab to the dinner table. This shift could have significant implications for our food system and the planet.
Image provided by Upside Foods
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