As previously reported on this blog, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have announced an agreement to share regulatory oversight over cell-based or cell-cultured meat. As part of the agreement, FDA will conduct premarket consultation to evaluate the manufacture of these products, including oversight of tissue collection, cell lines and banks, and all components of inputs.

The agencies have previously agreed that no additional legislation would be necessary to effectuate the joint agreement. No additional guidance or proposed regulations have been published by either FDA or USDA at this time.

In light of this regulatory uncertainty, five cell-based meat and seafood companies have formed a coalition to represent the industry. The coalition, Alliance for Meat, Poultry & Seafood Innovation (AMPS Innovation) includes five founding member companies, BlueNalu, Finless Foods, Fork & Goode, JUST, and Memphis Meats. These companies are currently in the research and development phase but expect to make products available in the next several years. In a joint statement, members noted the purpose of the coalition is to “speak with a unified voice as we emerge as a viable, impactful partner in the overall food and agriculture sector.”