December 2, 2020

Singapore the first country in the world to approve sales of lab-grown meat

The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) has approved the sale of lab-grown meat, specifically United States-based Eat Just's cultured chicken, making Singapore the first country in the world to do so, Today Singapore reported.

SFA approved Eat Just's nuggets and snacks, which are produced from lab-grown or cultured chicken grown from cell culture.

This is different from the plant-based alternative meats produced by Impossible Foods and Beyond Meat, which is made from plants to mimic the taste and texture of real meat.

Mr Andrew Noyes, head of global communications at Eat Just, told Today that they will announce details of where and when the cultured chicken will be available soon. The meat will be priced similar to premium chicken currently sold at restaurants.

Noyes said Eat Just's cultured chicken contains lower microbiological content compared to normal chicken as the cells are grown in a sterile, safe and controlled environment. Noyes also said the company's cultured chicken tests negative for all pathogens.

SFA regulatory assessments include potential food safety risks such as toxicity and allergenicity, whether the products are manufactured safely, and what materials are used in the production process.

Pre-packaged alternative proteins sold in Singapore must be labelled "cell-based" or "cultured meat" to specify the product's source. Food establishments must also state the nature of the meat they are offering.

- Reuters