Source: National Cattlemen’s Beef Association

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association has launched a new campaign highlighting critical questions about the production of lab-grown fake meat. The Fake Meat Facts campaign will shine a spotlight on the many unknowns that the federal government must clarify before finalizing the regulatory framework for these emerging products.  

“The federal government is moving in the right direction on lab-grown fake meat oversight, but new information raises more questions than answers,” said NCBA President Jennifer Houston. “The lack of scientific consensus surrounding cell-cultured protein products became crystal clear to me when I participated in last year’s joint public meeting. NCBA will continue to push for increased transparency to ensure consumers know the facts about lab-grown fake meat production.”

Last year, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a framework for regulating lab-grown fake meat. USDA will have primary oversight of food production and labeling, while the FDA will have oversight of cell collection and cell growth. However, as NCBA noted at the time, many details still need to be worked out. Additional information about the production, composition, and safety of cell-cultured protein is needed to inform the development of a comprehensive framework that protects consumers.    

“It is critical that manufacturers make samples of their cell-cultured products available for independent, objective analysis,” added NCBA Senior Director of Government Affairs Danielle Beck. “Until then, stakeholders will be forced to base their assessments on the unverified claims of manufacturing companies and fake meat activists.” 

Cattle and beef producers provide consumers with extensive resources on the production of real beef. Learn more about how beef goes from pasture to plate here.