Know the facts: Cell-cultivated products

• Cell-cultivated products are not on the market yet - they’re in the risk analysis process
• They must abide the same rules as any other food
• Cell-cultivated products are considered products of animal origin – not meat
• Allergens and nutrition are key focus areas

Cell-cultivated products (CCP) – often referred to as ‘lab grown’ - cover a variety of foods that can be made using a production process without traditional farming, agricultural and processing practices. Cells isolated from animals or plants, including cells from meat, seafood, fat, offal, or fertilised eggs are grown in a controlled environment, and then harvested to make a final food product. No cell-cultivated foods are currently approved for sale in Scotland.

CCPs are regulated as novel foods. Novel foods are classed by law as foods that don't have a ‘significant history of consumption’ by people in the United Kingdom or European Union (EU) before 15 May 1997.   

1. They’re not on the market yet - they’re in the risk analysis process

While cell-cultivated products have been approved for pet food, no products have yet been authorised for human consumption in Great Britain or Northern Ireland. In GB, they’re currently undergoing evaluation under the novel food regime prior to receiving clearance. Understand more about FSS and the FSA’s risk analysis process.

2. They must abide the same rules as any other food          

Classified as products of animal origin under assimilated EU law , they must comply with existing hygiene, traceability and food-safety standards at every production stage. Producers will need to demonstrate safety through rigorous testing under legislative frameworks.

3.  They’re considered products of animal origin – not meat 

Governed by food-origin law, they’re considered as products of animal origin – not meat. Producers must demonstrate that products are safe and nutritionally appropriate before approval.

4. Allergens and nutrition are key focus areas

FSS and the FSA have released guidance specifying how producers must show that the product is safe for people with allergies and provides appropriate nutritional value. Evidence is needed to show products are not a higher risk for people with allergies.

We play a critical role in ensuring cell-cultivated products meet all safety and regulatory requirements before they reach consumers. 

We, alongside the FSA, oversee compliance with GB novel food regulations and hygiene rules for products of animal origin, evaluate applications, and co-lead a project with the FSA to develop clear, science-based regulatory guidance. 

We also support businesses through pre-application advice and publish official guidance to ensure transparency and consumer protection throughout the process.