Two start-ups granted approval to sell cell cultured chicken in the U.S.

The United States Department of Agriculture has granted approval for the sale of cell-cultured chicken, marking a significant milestone for the industry. This decision paves the way for consumers to experience this innovative product firsthand, as confirmed by the initial recipients of the approvals.

Cell-cultured meat, also known as cultivated, cell-based, or lab-grown protein, involves the cultivation of stem cells from animal fat or muscle in a culture medium. These cells are then nurtured and allowed to grow within a bioreactor, resulting in a final product that closely resembles and tastes like traditional meat.

Previously, only Singapore had authorized the sale of cell-cultured meat outside of the United States. However, the Food and Drug Administration had already given the green light to Good Meat, a subsidiary of Eat Just, and Upside Foods several months ago, affirming the safety of their lab-grown chicken for human consumption.

In light of this decision, the USDA will now regulate and inspect cell-cultured meat facilities, similar to their oversight of traditional meat processing plants and slaughterhouses.

When sold to consumers, the meat produced by Upside Foods and Good Meat will be labeled as “cell-cultivated chicken.”

Good Meat has also obtained authorization to sell its cultivated meat in Singapore, where it has been available since December 2020.

Eat Just CEO and co-founder Josh Tetrick expressed excitement over the announcement, stating, “This unprecedented ability to produce and sell cultivated meat in the United States is a momentous milestone for our company, the industry, and the entire food system.”

Joinn Biologics, Good Meat’s manufacturing partner, has also received USDA approval to produce the lab-grown meat.

Chef Jose Andres has placed the first order for Good Meat’s cultured chicken and plans to feature it on the menu of an undisclosed restaurant in Washington, D.C.

Upside Foods has also secured its inaugural order for cultivated chicken. Chef Dominique Crenn will offer it in limited quantities at Bar Crenn in San Francisco.

Uma Valeti, founder and CEO of Upside Foods, remarked, “This approval represents a significant shift in how meat reaches our tables. It is a monumental step towards a more sustainable future that preserves choice and life.”

Investors are increasingly directing their attention to the cultured meat industry, as enthusiasm for plant-based meat alternatives wanes. To date, Eat Just has raised $978.5 million in funding, while Upside has secured $608.4 million, according to data from Pitchbook.