Cell-Cultured Meat Startups, NAMI, Urge USDA to Gather More Data Before Issuing a Proposed Rule on Labeling

Cell-Cultured Meat Startups, NAMI, Urge USDA to Gather More Data Before Issuing a Proposed Rule on Labeling

October 19, 2020, Food Navigator

Brian Sylvester is quoted in Food Navigator regarding the USDA’s labeling of cell-cultured meats. Mr. Sylvester says that he didn't think an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPR) would extend the timeline in a meaningful way. “Instead, it could actually be an efficient means of collecting needed data sooner rather than later to lay the foundation for a proposed rule that addresses top-of-mind stakeholder concerns--on all sides--and therefore allow for a more streamlined rulemaking process going forward,” he adds.

He says, “In federal rulemaking, an ANPR is not required. But it can be useful for particularly hot-button or novel issues--and the labeling of cell-based meat and poultry certainly falls into both camps.”

He goes on to say, “The FDA and USDA have moved at a record pace to develop a regulatory approach for these products, and they are hard at work as we speak meeting amongst themselves in working groups dedicated to this sector, and with leading start-ups in this space. I therefore anticipate that USDA and FDA will make every effort to work with stakeholders to get these products to market when the technology had scaled and products are ready.”