UK Could See Lab-Grown Food in 2 Years
Food Standards Agency Targets Two-Year Timeline for Cultivated Food Products
Lab-grown meat, dairy, and sugar could be available for human consumption in the UK within two years, according to the Food Standards Agency (FSA). The agency is working to streamline the approval process for these innovative products, which are cultivated from cells in controlled environments similar to chemical plants.
UK Firms Push for Regulatory Reform
British companies leading the development of cultivated food technologies have faced delays due to outdated regulations. The FSA is now collaborating with high-tech food firms and academic researchers to create a new regulatory framework that ensures safety while supporting innovation.
Last month, the UK saw its first commercial sale of lab-grown dog food, marking a milestone in the sector
Global Context: Mixed Reactions to Lab-Grown Foods
- Singapore was the first country to approve lab-grown meat for human consumption in 2020.
- The United States followed in 2023, and Israel in 2024.
- In contrast, Italy and US states like Alabama and Florida have banned cultivated meat products.
Safety and Controversy
FSA Chief Scientist Prof Robin May assured that consumer safety remains the top priority, stating:
“We are working very closely with the companies involved and academic groups to design a regulatory structure that ensures the safety of these products remains as high as it possibly can.”
However, critics like Pat Thomas, director of Beyond GM, argue that involving companies in the regulatory process could lead to conflicts of interest:
“The companies helping the FSA to draw up these regulations are the ones most likely to benefit from deregulation.”
Conclusion
With growing global interest and domestic innovation, the UK is poised to become a key player in the lab-grown food revolution. If approved, cultivated meat, dairy, and sugar could be on UK shelves by 2027, offering consumers sustainable alternatives to traditional animal agriculture.