You might say 'So what?'. This is yet again another major step towards seeing 'cell-cultivated meat' freely available for consumer use. Yet again sending 'ripples of concern' through the 'old-world' protein producers and manufacturers in Australia and New Zealand.
Source:Upside Foods
With the label approval secured, US based Upside Foods is now working with the USDA (US Department of Agriculture) to acquire what is known as 'Grant of Inspection' (GOI) for its Engineering, Production, and Innovation Center (EPIC).
This is the final requirement in the pre-market regulatory process, enabling the company to commence full commercial production and sales of its cultivated chicken within the United States. The label for Upside's product uses the term cell-cultivated chicken.
Since Upside's chicken is a cultivated meat product grown directly from real animal cells, it must adhere to the same labelling requirements as conventionally produced meat products.
By demonstrating full compliance with all pre-market labelling requirements, Upside Foods can initiate commercial production and sales as soon as it obtains the GOI from the USDA.
Once Upside's chicken successfully passes USDA inspection, its packaging can prominently display the USDA mark of inspection.
Source: Upside Foods
Currently all animal meat products derived from ANZ slaughterhouses for sale into the US requires this mark. As Upside Foods edges closer to full approval it means it can begin to dig into the market share of the animal meat producers.
Uma Valeti, CEO and founder of Upside Foods, expressed enthusiasm about the USDA's approval of their label, highlighting it as a significant step towards achieving their objective of establishing a more humane and sustainable food system.
"We're excited to continue working with the USDA to achieve our next milestone. Obtaining the USDA's GOI will clear the way for expanded commercial production and sales and allow us to bring our delicious Upside chicken to consumers for the first time." says Uma Valeti.
Once the final hurdle is cleared Upside's cultivated chicken will be introduced in limited quantities through select restaurant partners, starting with Bar Crenn, a three-Michelin star restaurant in San Francisco owned by Chef Dominique Crenn.
Further details about the launch will be shared at a later date, including information on how consumers can be among the first to experience Upside's cultivated chicken.
Upside is the second US cultivated meat company with Good Meat - Eat Just's cultivated meat arm to receive label approval.
Want to know more about Upside Foods 'cell-cultivated' chicken? CLICK HERE
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