Twelve European Union countries, with Italy, France, and Austria at the forefront, have recently expressed their opposition to the development of cultivated meat within Europe. They are urging the European Union to reassess its approval process for new types of food, particularly calling for more thorough investigations into cultivated meat before any approval by the EU Food Safety Authority.
These countries argue that the emergence of cultivated meat threatens traditional farming methods, which they see as fundamental to the European way of farming. They have communicated their concerns to the Council of Ministers, stating that such innovations could undermine the core practices of European agriculture.
The coalition is also worried about the potential economic and public health implications of cultivated meat. They have requested that the EU conduct a comprehensive public consultation and an impact assessment on the matter. Moreover, they are seeking the implementation of strict labelling standards that would prevent cultivated meat and dairy alternatives from being marketed under traditional “meat” and dairy terms.
In contrast, other EU nations like Germany, The Netherlands, Spain, and the UK, have shown support for the cultivated meat sector, viewing it as a means to enhance the economy and address environmental sustainability. This has led to a split within the EU, particularly highlighted during a recent contentious meeting of the EU Agriculture and Fisheries Council, which focused on the regulation of cultivated meat.
