The first application in the EU for authorization to sell laboratory meat

Pierwszy w UE wniosek o zezwolenie na sprzedaż mięsa laboratoryjnego

On July 26, Paris-based French start-up "Gourmey" announced that it had submitted an application for marketing authorization for its cell-based lab-made product to food safety authorities in the EU, Switzerland, the UK, Singapore and the UK. Britain – reports the Euraktiv portal. The company wrote in a press release that its flagship product will be "an alternative for foie gras lovers."

“The premium segment has always been at the forefront of food trends, where the most exciting innovations appear. We are witnessing exciting commercial interest in our first product in many regions where chefs want to continue serving high-quality foie gras,” wrote Nicolas Morin-Forest, CEO of Gourmey, in the same press statement.

Morin-Forest also expressed confidence that its products will meet the "very demanding standards" set by EU authorities.

Pâté without fattening

The Gourmey product really arouses great emotions. The method of producing traditional foie gras arouses justified reluctance in Europe, not only among animal advocates. Meanwhile, the Parisian start-up argues that its foie gras does not involve any animal suffering and does not require their slaughter. Based on commissioned research, the company also proves that the carbon footprint of its large-scale cellular production would be much lower than that of conventionally produced foie gras.

Laboratory-grown meat is defined as "novel food" in the EU. According to EU law, a manufacturer wishing to introduce such food to the European market must submit an application and obtain permission to the European Commission.

Governments reluctant to introduce new foods

Many EU countries are reluctant to use cellular meat and are calling for stricter regulations on this issue. Farmers across the EU see laboratory-produced food as a real threat to agriculture, the future of breeding and the cultural heritage of traditional regional dishes.

The governments of France, Italy, Austria, the Czech Republic, Cyprus, Greece, Hungary, Luxembourg, Lithuania, Malta, Romania and Slovakia have called on the European Commission to launch a broad public consultation on laboratory-grown meat. Hungary, which currently holds the presidency of the EU Council, has proposed a debate on the possible negative impact of new foods on Europe's culinary traditions.