Australia's Cell-Cultured Meat Industry Open for Business: Vow Receives Final Approval

In a landmark moment for the region, Food Ministers have aligned with Food Standards Australian New Zealand (FSANZ) to approve the sale of Vow’s cell-cultured quail. The changes to the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code have now been effected through gazettal.

According to Dr Sam Perkins, CEO of CAA, “This approval sets an important precedent and sends a strong signal: Australia’s cell-cultured meat industry is open for business, and Vow continues to lead the charge in developing exciting and delicious food that is part of a resilient and future-proof food system.”

The ANZ region is now the fourth jurisdiction globally (after the U.S., Singapore and Israel), and the first in the Southern Hemisphere to approve the sale of a cell-cultured meat product for human consumption.

“The approval follows an internationally regarded and rigorous scientific review by FSANZ, as well as two rounds of public consultation and final sign-off by the Food Ministers – a process spanning almost 2.5 years. Australian consumers can have confidence that Vow’s products meet the highest food safety and quality assurance standards,“ said Kim Tonnet, Head of Regulatory Affairs at CAA.

“FSANZ has now successfully developed a dedicated regulatory pathway for cell-cultured foods, opting to introduce two new standards for Cell-Cultured Foods rather than relying on the existing Novel Foods Framework. This establishes ANZ as only the second jurisdiction globally (after the US) to adopt a bespoke regulatory process for cell-cultured meat. This move will make the requirements clear and defined for future applicants, reducing uncertainty and delays, and thereby streamlining the approval process. In a really positive step, FSANZ also indicated that future applications under these standards may benefit from faster and more cost-effective assessments,” added Kim.

“With Vow’s approval and positive changes to Australia’s regulatory framework, coupled with international regulatory uncertainty, Australia is poised to become a global destination for cellular agriculture innovation and market entry,“ said Sam Perkins.

CAA applauds Vow and FSANZ for their commitment, capability and perseverance over this period of extensive scientific review and regulatory engagement.

See the attached article for more of Kim Tonnet’s reflections on the regulatory process and outcomes, as well as opportunities looking forward: www.cellularagricultureaustralia.org/publications/vow-approval-australia-cultivated-meat-open-for-business