UK – French startup Vital Meat has taken a significant step forward in its quest to introduce cultivated chicken to the UK market.

The company, known for producing cultivated chicken as a key ingredient for hybrid meats, has submitted a dossier to food regulators in England and Scotland for regulatory approval. 

This move makes Vital Meat one of the few companies in the industry to pursue regulatory clearance for its innovative product.

The submission of the novel food dossier to the Food Standards Agency (FSA) and Food Standards Scotland initiates a thorough assessment process expected to span 18 to 24 months.

During this period, scientists and experts from both regulatory bodies will meticulously evaluate Vital Meat’s application.

Etienne Duthoit, co-founder and CEO of Vital Meat, expressed eagerness to commence commercialization in Great Britain, emphasizing the widespread consumption of chicken in the region.

Duthoit revealed plans for a 2025 launch and expressed the company’s readiness to collaborate with food partners in preparation for the market debut.

Utilizing pharmaceutical technology to transform cells from fertilized chicken eggs into cultivated meat, Vital Meat anticipates regulatory clearance in Singapore by the end of the year.

Claude Rescan, the startup’s regulatory expert, highlighted the ongoing collaboration with scientific experts from the Singapore Food Agency (SFA), indicating positive progress in the approval process.

Vital Meat’s strategic decision to expand into the UK market follows its endeavors in Singapore, driven by the Asian market’s openness to innovation and willingness to embrace new food technologies.

The company’s Chief Operating Officer, Olivia de Talancé, emphasized the alignment between the UK’s pragmatic approach and climate consciousness with the sustainability aspects of cultivated meat.

Despite the promising prospects, challenges lie ahead for manufacturers aiming to convince UK consumers to embrace cultivated meat.

A survey conducted by the FSA in 2022 revealed varying levels of awareness and acceptance among consumers.

While a significant percentage of respondents expressed hesitation, there is potential for perception shifts with increased awareness and trust-building efforts.

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