Washington, DC – The North American Meat Institute (Meat Institute) applauds the regulatory framework of cell-based meat products announced today by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The Meat Institute appreciates the agencies’ collaborative efforts to establish a regulatory system that protects consumers, prioritizes product safety, and fosters innovation.
“The framework announced today will ensure cell-based meat and poultry products are wholesome, safe for consumption, and properly labeled,” said Meat Institute President and CEO Julie Anna Potts. “We support a fair and competitive marketplace that lets consumers decide what food products make sense for them and their families, and this agreement will help achieve these goals by establishing the level playing field necessary to ensure consumer confidence.”
The agreement outlines the significant role USDA should play in regulating cell-based meat and poultry products – a position the Meat Institute affirmed in written comments and oral testimony to the agencies. USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) conducts rigorous, daily inspection of all federal meat and poultry plants, and its strong label approval process gives consumers confidence that products are accurately labeled and not represented to be something they are not.
“We thank the agencies for developing a comprehensive regulatory framework that reflects the strengths and experience of FDA and USDA,” Potts said. “We look forward to working with them to implement this system in a manner that upholds the strongest food safety standards and ensures consumers continue to enjoy the most wholesome, affordable meat and poultry supply in the world.”
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ABOUT NAMI
The North American Meat Institute (NAMI) is the leading voice for the meat and poultry industry. Formed from the 2015 merger of the American Meat Institute (AMI) and North American Meat Association (NAMA), the Institute has a rich, century-long history and provides essential member services including legislative, regulatory, scientific, international and public affairs representation. NAMI’s mission is to shape a public policy environment in which the meat and poultry industry can produce wholesome products safely, efficiently and profitably. Together, the Institute’s members produce the vast majority of U.S. beef, pork, lamb and poultry and the equipment, ingredients and services needed for the highest quality products.
