The American company now only needs approval on a few technical issues, such as packaging labeling and quality controls during the production process.
Founder Uma Valeti of UPSIDE Foods called it a ‘turning point in the history of food’ and praised the very first ‘no further questions’ approval. “This milestone marks a major step toward a new era in meat production. I am pleased that American consumers will soon have the chance to eat meat that is grown directly from animal cells.
The company has already attracted numerous investors, including Bill Gates and venture capitalist John Doerr, and the company is now valued at over one billion dollars. Some of the largest traditional meat companies, including Tyson and Cargill, have also invested in it.
The approval granted now applies only to meat produced from cultivated chicken cells by Upside, but the authorities say they now want to undergo the same procedures for other types of meat, including from other companies.
Singapore was the first country two years ago to allow the sale of cultured meat. Supporters hope that cultured meat will reduce the need to slaughter animals for food and help address the climate crisis.
Food production is responsible for about a quarter of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions, with the largest part coming from livestock farming.