Lab-grown food, including meat, dairy, and sugar, could be available for human consumption in the UK within the next two years as the government accelerates approval processes. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is exploring ways to fast-track regulations, positioning the UK as a key player in the global alternative food industry.
Lab-grown food is produced using cellular agriculture, where animal or plant cells are cultivated in a controlled environment. While UK companies have been at the forefront of scientific advancements in this sector, they have expressed frustration over sluggish regulations that have hindered commercial progress.
The FSA plans to collaborate with biotech firms and academic researchers to create a streamlined yet stringent approval framework. The goal is to complete the safety evaluation of at least two lab-grown food products within two years.
Several countries have already embraced lab-grown meat. Singapore became the first nation to approve its sale in 2020, followed by the U.S. in 2023 and Israel in 2024. However, not everyone is on board. Italy and certain U.S. states, including Alabama and Florida, have imposed bans, citing concerns over natural food integrity and regulatory oversight.
Despite opposition, the UK government sees lab-grown food as an opportunity to drive economic growth and sustainability. Science Minister Lord Vallance rejects claims that new regulations amount to deregulation, instead calling it “pro-innovation regulation” aimed at cutting red tape while maintaining high safety standards.
Critics argue that allowing industry stakeholders to shape regulations presents a conflict of interest. Pat Thomas, director of the campaign group Beyond GM, warns that firms benefiting from the rule changes could unduly influence the process. However, FSA Chief Scientist Prof. Robin May insists that consumer safety remains the priority.
“We are working closely with companies and researchers to craft a regulatory framework that ensures safety while fostering innovation,” he told BBC News.
UK-based Ivy Farm Technologies is among the companies eager to launch lab-grown products, including Wagyu and Aberdeen Angus steaks. The firm applied for approval last year but remains in limbo, with CEO Dr. Harsh Amin emphasizing the need for a faster process.
“If we can shorten approval times to under a year while maintaining Britain’s high food safety standards, it would be a game-changer for start-ups like ours,” Amin said.
As the UK strives to remain competitive in the evolving food-tech industry, the coming years will determine whether lab-grown food becomes a mainstream option or remains a niche product facing regulatory hurdles.
