USCA Encouraged by Cell-cultured Joint Regulation

The U.S. Cattlemen’s Association applauded the joint regulatory effort on cell-cultured products announced last week.  The organization said the announcement by the USDA and the FDA follows suggestions from its membership.

FDA will oversee cell collection, cell banks, and cell growth and differentiation. A transition from FDA to USDA oversight will occur during the cell harvest stage. USDA will then oversee the production and labeling of food products derived from the cells of livestock and poultry. USCA said it has “repeatedly stated that interagency collaboration is key” for this regulation.

As the process moves forward, USCA says rule making to the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service on the definitions of ‘beef’ and ‘meat’ must be addressed.  USCA said labeling must be truthful and transparent for consumers.

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