French start-up Gourmey has submitted the first application for cultivated meat approval in the EU, specifically for their cultivated foie gras. This marks a significant milestone, as no other cultivated meat company had previously applied for EU regulatory approval, despite similar submissions in the US, Singapore, and the UK. The approval process, expected to take around 18 months, is considered one of the most stringent globally.
Gourmey’s CEO, Nicolas Morin-Forest, emphasized the importance of the EU's standards, stating, “The benchmark of our regulatory strategy is the EU, with the highest novel food safety standards and approval requirements.”
The company hopes this move will inspire more cultivated food companies to seek market authorization in the EU, contributing to food safety, security, and sustainability.
Foie gras has historically been controversial due to its production practices which many consider unethical. A cultivated version of this luxury food could lead to more widespread acceptance and options for those who oppose the conventional product.
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