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USDA and FDA will regulate cell-cultured meat

USDA and FDA have announced they will work together to regulate cell-cultured meat.

In a joint statement, Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue and FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb say FDA will oversee the cell collection, cell banks and cell growth and USDA will regulate cell harvesting, production and labeling of food products.

Lia Biando with the United States Cattlemen’s Association tells Brownfield how the beef industry responds to this national conversation will have lasting impacts.  She’s advocating for a truthful and transparent label for consumers that does not include the terms “beef” or “meat”.  “What they are producing is not technically beef or meat and consumers should know that.”

Collin Woodall with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association says the announcement is a step in the right direction, but there’s still a lot of work to ensure real beef producers and consumers are protected and treated fairly.

Senate Ag Committee Chairman Pat Roberts says he’s pleased the agencies listened to stakeholders to find a solution.  The regulatory process was suggested jointly by the North American Meat Institute and Memphis Meat which produces cultured meat.

Public comment on the issue is open till December 26.

AUDIO: Brownfield interview with Lia Biando