USDA, FDA To Focus On Meat Grown From Cells

Several companies say they are very close to being able to put meat on the market that's grown from cells.

"There are a variety of considerations when thinking about how this food product will be regulated,” said Carmen Rottenberg. She runs the Agriculture Department agency in charge of livestock, meat inspection and safety.  She said the USDA and the FDA a meeting next month to try to shine more light onto the issue of who will regulate the new product, and how.

Rottenberg says the two-day meeting starts October 23rd.

"It's going to be focused, primarily, on oversight of the product and also hazards that could also be associated with the product. And, each agency spending some time talking about their respective authority."

She notes the second day will focus on labeling issues, and then taking input from consumers on what the product should be called.

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