Support for food businesses developing cell-cultivated products
New FSA and FSS pilot helps UK businesses get approval for safe, innovative 'lab-grown meat' foods.
Support for businesses to safely bring cell-cultivated foods to market
The Food Standards Agency (FSA), working with Food Standards Scotland (FSS), has launched a new pilot support service to help businesses developing cell-cultivated foods get approval to sell their products in the UK.
What are cell-cultivated products?
Cell-cultivated foods are produced by growing animal cells in a laboratory setting, rather than farming animals. Examples include chicken fillets or beef burgers grown from animal cells, sometimes called ‘lab-grown meat’. This innovative sector is experiencing rapid growth, and the FSA and FSS anticipate an increase in applications for these products in the future.
What does the new service offer?
The new business support service will:
- provide clear information and guidance on the UK market authorisation process for cell-cultivated foods
- allow businesses to speak directly with FSA/FSS experts before submitting applications
- help businesses understand key requirements such as safety data, hazard identification, and evidence needed to prove product safety
The service will also offer ongoing support after application submission, including help with responding to Requests for Information (RFIs) to address any gaps in their dossiers.
Why is this important?
The FSA seeks to make sure all foods are safe before they are sold in the UK. As cell-cultivated products are developed in new ways, it’s vital that these foods meet high safety standards. The new service will help businesses get it right from the start, supporting growth in this sector and giving consumers safe, innovative food choices.
This pilot service is available for cell-cultivated product producers who are planning to apply for authorisation of their product for the UK market.
Cell-cultivated products in Northern Ireland
Under Windsor Framework arrangements, regulated products (including cell-cultivated products) authorised in Great Britain may be placed on the Northern Ireland market if eligible for, and moved through, the Northern Ireland Retail Movement Scheme (NIRMS).
Food businesses interested in cell-cultivated products can get more details about this service on the FSA website.
First published 25 June 2025