Approved work: Cultivated meat

Cultivated meat is made from animal cells grown in fermenters, where they divide in a solution containing nutrients. Cultivated meat has been approved for human consumption in Singapore, the USA, and Israel. In July 2024, the UK became the first country in Europe to approve the sale of cultivated meat in pet food.

Cultivated meat may offer a sustainable protein-rich alternative to conventional meat, and play a part in ensuring food security. However, challenges include cost, scalability, regulatory hurdles, and public perception.

This POSTnote aims to outline the major challenges, opportunities, and risks associated with approving the sale of cultivated meat for human consumption in the UK. It will consider research into environmental, social, nutrition and economic impacts and explore stakeholder perspectives.

We welcome information on issues relevant to the project. To contribute to this research, please follow our guidance for contributors.