Lab-Grown Food Could Be Sold in UK Within Two Years
Lab-grown meat, dairy, and sugar could be available for human consumption in the UK within two years as the Food Standards Agency (FSA) seeks to accelerate the approval process.
The FSA is working with high-tech food firms and academic researchers to develop new regulations. It aims to complete a full safety assessment of two lab-grown foods within the two-year process.
UK companies have been at the forefront of lab-grown food development but feel hindered by current regulations. In contrast, countries such as Singapore, the United States, and Israel have already approved cell-cultivated meat for sale. However, Italy and the US states of Alabama and Florida have banned such products.
The UK government hopes that supporting lab-grown food firms will create jobs and drive economic growth. Science Minister Lord Vallance described the initiative as "pro-innovation regulation," aiming to align rules with technological advancements while reducing bureaucracy.
Lab-grown foods are produced from plant or animal cells, sometimes involving gene editing to modify their properties. Proponents argue they are more environmentally friendly and potentially healthier than traditional alternatives.
Ivy Farm Technologies in Oxford has developed lab-grown steaks from Wagyu and Aberdeen Angus cow cells. The company applied for approval to sell its products to restaurants early last year. CEO Dr Harsh Amin believes the current two-year approval process is too long and hopes it can be shortened while maintaining high food safety standards.
Dr Alicia Graham, working at Imperial College's Bezos Centre in London, has developed a lab-grown sugar alternative by introducing a gene from a berry into yeast. Her company, MadeSweetly, cannot sell the product until it receives regulatory approval. She emphasised the challenges of navigating the approval process for new food technologies.
Critics, including Pat Thomas, director of the campaign group Beyond GM, argue that involving food firms in drafting regulations presents a conflict of interest. Thomas also questioned the environmental and health benefits of lab-grown foods, noting that they require energy to produce and are classified as ultra-processed foods.
FSA Chief Scientist Prof Robin May assured that consumer safety remains a priority. He stated that collaboration with companies and academics is essential to understanding the science and ensuring food safety before authorisation.
The FSA plans to establish a more efficient system for approving lab-grown foods while maintaining rigorous safety standards.
The UK could approve lab-grown meat, dairy, and sugar for sale within two years.
The FSA is working with food firms and researchers to develop new regulations.
UK companies feel disadvantaged by slower approval processes compared to other countries.
Source: BBC