The Association for Meat, Poultry, and Seafood Innovation (AMPS) congratulates Mission Barns on this important milestone indicating that the very thorough scientific FDA pre-market consultation has been completed. A “no questions” letter from the FDA indicates that the multi-year, extensive review of the novel food’s safety and nutrient composition revealed no concerns that might warrant further inquiry. Unlike more familiar or existing foods, innovative foods like cultivated meat undergo a comprehensive scientific review including toxicology, allergenicity, nutrient composition analysis, and a detailed assessment of how the foods are produced. The FDA’s pre-market review ensures there are no unresolved safety concerns, making the “no questions” letter a strong endorsement of the food’s health and safety. Next, this product will undergo a rigorous evaluation by the USDA which oversees the inspection and labeling of cultivated meat, as it does for all other meat. This means that unlike other meat production, cultivated meat has federal regulatory oversight by both the FDA and USDA.

As more companies progress through this rigorous regulatory pathway, the United States has an opportunity to be a global leader in the emerging industry. American-made cultivated meat and seafood will create high-skilled jobs throughout the value chain, enhance U.S. food security, and expand consumer choice filling gaps in supply shortages. By leveraging America’s strengths in biomanufacturing and food innovation, we can develop a resilient food system—one with robust supply chains to meet the world’s growing protein demand.

We appreciate the continued commitment of expert scientists at the FDA and USDA who are dedicated to maintaining the highest food safety standards in this emerging category.

For more information about the cultivated meat industry, please visit: CONTACT