Australia on the Verge of Approving First Lab-Grown Meat for Sale

An Australian start-up named Vow has obtained approval from Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) to sell cultured quail meat in the region, pending ministerial approval.

This Sydney-based startup applied to FSANZ in February 2023 to modify the food standards code allowing them to use cultured quail eggs as a novel food ingredient.

FSANZ approved the proposed standards, schedules, and other changes on March 25 and informed the Food Ministers’ Meeting of the decision on April 7.

The food ministers have a 60-day window to review and respond to the decision.

If given the green light by the government, Vow will become the first company to market lab-grown meat in the country.

Prior to FSANZ’s approval, Vow was already selling its product, branded as “Forged,” in specific restaurants in Singapore and Hong Kong.

FSANZ stated, “The quail embryonic fibroblast cell line is genetically stable and the microbiological risks associated with sourcing this cell line were minimal.”

The regulatory body also confirmed that there were no toxicological concerns regarding the production process.

Vow Aims for Approval Completion in June

On the other hand, a spokesperson from Vow expressed hope that the approval process would be finalized by June.

“On April 7, FSANZ announced the completion of the necessary food code changes for Vow’s cultured meat entry into the market. Vow anticipates the process to conclude entirely in June,” a Vow representative informed The Epoch Times.

“We are excited to introduce cultured meat to another region, this time in Australia, where Vow originated.”

Vow disclosed that they recently achieved the highest lab-grown meat production ever, generating over one ton in a single month.

“Customers are currently enjoying this cultured meat at numerous restaurants in Singapore, our primary market where we have been consistently selling for over a year,” the spokesperson added.

Non-profit organization Food Frontier applauded FSANZ’s decision. Food Frontier actively promotes alternative protein consumption for environmental, health, and food security benefits in Australia.

“Vow has been a leading figure in the cell-cultured meat industry in Australia and New Zealand. George Peppou’s strategy to launch Vow’s Japanese Quail parfait in Singapore first, generating commercial success and customer insights, has undoubtedly helped the company navigate challenging financial conditions and prepare for this next phase,” commented Food Frontier President Simon Eassom.

“By spearheading FSANZ’s approval process for cultured meat, Vow has effectively paved the way, evaluating Australia’s regulatory framework for cultured meat and potentially smoothing the path for future endeavors.”