USDA, FDA hold public meeting on use of animal cell culture technology

The U.S. Dept. of Agriculture (USDA) and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have announced they will hold a joint public meeting on October 23–24 to discuss the use of cell culture technology to develop products derived from livestock and poultry. The meeting will focus on the potential hazards, oversight considerations, and labeling of cell cultured food products derived from livestock and poultry.

“This is an important opportunity to hear from the agricultural industry and consumers as we consider the regulatory framework for these new products,” said Sonny Perdue, secretary of agriculture. “American farmers and ranchers feed the world, but as technology advances, we must consider how to inspect and regulate to ensure food safety, regardless of the production method.”

The first day of the meeting will focus primarily on the potential hazards that need to be controlled for the safe production of animal cell cultured food products and oversight considerations by regulatory agencies. The second day of the meeting will focus on labeling considerations.

Representatives of industry, consumer groups, and other stakeholders are invited to participate in the meeting. Written comments are being accepted now through November 26. Comments previously submitted to the FDA regarding the July 12 public meeting will also be considered.