The landscape for the future of food is constantly evolving, shaped by policies, regulations, and the ever-changing demands of consumers. As we navigate the path towards a more secure food future, it is crucial to engage in meaningful dialogue and pave the way for progress.
The Urgent Need for New Protein Solutions
Projections show that feeding a world population of 10 billion people in 2050 would require raising overall food production by some 70%. Demand for meat is currently at an all-time high and is projected to nearly double globally by 2050. In light of these projections and considering the limitations of finite land and water resources, coupled with a growing global population, it’s evident that maintaining the status quo won’t suffice to address the deepening fractures in our supply chain. With this looming protein deficit, there’s an urgent need to prioritize and expedite the development of complementary solutions, like cell-cultured meat and seafood, to feed more mouths with fewer resources.
Cell-Cultured Foods are Gaining Global Momentum through Proactive Regulation and National Agendas
Countries around the world have understood the significance of our challenged protein supply and have looked to new and complementary protein sources as a solution to fortify food security in the face of growing resource limitations. While plant-based products have gained considerable traction over the past decade, cell-cultured proteins offer a compelling option for consumers that can appeal to a broader audience. This is because cell-cultured meat and seafood products are genuine animal-based proteins and can provide the same nutrition and sensorial satisfaction as their conventional counterparts. Several countries have already ramped up their support in alternative protein solutions and made cell-cultured meat and seafood a specific part of their 2030 national agendas. As examples:
Singapore's "30 by 30" Initiative aims to produce 30% of the nation’s food domestically by 2030 in response to its high dependence on imported food, that today exceeds 90%. To enhance food security, the country has allocated considerable funding programs to attract and support companies producing these new protein products and implemented a regulatory framework for the approval and sale of cell-cultured meats, making it a leader in this innovative food technology. The Singapore Food Agency approved the sale of cell-cultured chicken in December 2020 and became the first in the world to do so.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has embraced innovative food technologies in its Saudi Vision 2030, which is focused on three pillars: A Vibrant Society, A Thriving Economy and An Ambitious Nation. BlueNalu is pleased to be partnered with NEOM, the sustainable regional development taking place in northwest Saudi Arabia, and has a Memorandum of Understanding in place to “revolutionize a sustainable and secure food ecosystem.”
Recently, China included cell-cultured meats in its official five-year agricultural plan. By promoting cell-cultured meat alternatives, China could reduce greenhouse gas emissions from raising livestock, while ensuring that it maintains food security.
Other countries have also taken a leading role in advancing the introduction and regulation of cell-cultured meat by creating meaningful inroads to introduce these transformative products:
In the U.S. there have been great strides in federal support. The White House announced its National Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing Initiative which includes efforts from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and sister federal agencies to advance and accelerate innovation in agriculture and our food supply chains, a mandate that could strongly champion federal support for cell-cultured meat and seafood. In a landmark decision in June 2023, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted the regulatory green light to two companies producing cell-cultured chicken. Cell-cultured meat has also received the support of NASA, who in 2022 launched a $1M prize to feed astronauts in space.
Israel has been very receptive to cell-cultured products and supported the industry through several key initiatives including funding and grants, innovation incubations, regulatory support, and with heads of state participating in product tastings, underscoring the Israeli government's endorsement of cell-cultured meat and its commitment to promoting food solutions. In January 2024, Israel’s health ministry approved the sale of a cell-cultured beef product.
In February 2024, Korea initiated the regulatory approval process for cultivated meat following the establishment of a framework by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety. The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) has formally released the Standards for Recognition of Temporary Standards and Specifications for Food with the aim of rejuvenating the food industry.
Japan has prioritized the development of regulatory frameworks for cell-cultured products and have made major headway by engaging with academic and industry leaders. In 2023, the Japan Association for Cellular Agriculture (JACA) led the writing of the first technical book in Japan to cover cell-cultured food. The book is composed of sections written by esteemed academics and leading companies in the cell-cultured protein field, and BlueNalu authored a main introductory chapter on the unique landscape of cell-cultured seafood, titled "Cell-Cultured Seafood: A Supply Chain Solution to Supplement Global Demand.”
Several global regulatory bodies have also allowed for controlled cell-cultured meat and seafood tastings prior to regulatory approval to demonstrate product viability, stimulate public interest and awareness, catalyze regulatory development and showcase national leadership. The Netherlands, Singapore and the U.K. are among the nations who have been proactive and open-minded to tastings that allow consumers to experience and provide feedback on cell-cultured products, giving valuable insights into the market potential and consumer preferences.
Furthermore, in November 2023, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) held a stakeholder meeting organized with the China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment (CFSA). Fifty-five participants including presenters, observers, and secretariat members from FAO and CFSA attended the event, to educate and showcase the current developments in the areas of cell-cultured food and precision fermentation. BlueNalu was one of these presenters, providing an overview of the cell-cultured seafood category and the associated regulatory process. The meeting showcased a global interest in advancing cell-cultured meat and seafood production and safety, emphasizing collaboration and knowledge-sharing among international stakeholders.