Federal Oversight: The Joint FDA and USDA Framework
In the United States, the regulation of lab-grown, or cultivated, meat is a shared responsibility between two key federal agencies: the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). This dual oversight was formalized through a 2019 agreement to ensure a safe and transparent process from cell collection to final packaging.
- FDA's Role: The FDA has jurisdiction over the initial stages of production, including cell collection, banking, and the cultivation process. The agency ensures that the cell lines and all inputs used are safe and compliant with current Good Manufacturing Practices.
- USDA's Role: Once the cellular material is harvested from the cultivation environment, regulatory oversight transitions to the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). The USDA then regulates the processing, packaging, and, most importantly, the labeling of the final meat and poultry products.
This collaborative approach guarantees that cell-cultivated products undergo rigorous safety evaluations and receive the official USDA mark of inspection, just like conventional meat.
Specific Federal Labeling Requirements
Companies cannot simply call their products 'meat' without qualification. Under the USDA's proposed rules, all cultivated meat and poultry labels must be pre-approved by the FSIS before going to market. This pre-approval process requires manufacturers to include specific, descriptive terminology to prevent consumer confusion. Key labeling requirements include:
- Product Name: Labels must explicitly state 'cell-cultivated' or 'cell-cultured' alongside the product's name. For example, a chicken cutlet grown from animal cells would be labeled "cell-cultivated chicken breast".
- Clear Descriptors: Manufacturers are prohibited from making claims that would imply the cultivated product is conventional meat. The label must accurately reflect the product's origin.
- Ingredient Disclosure: The label must list all ingredients and clearly detail the cultivated components, just like any other food product.
The Debate Over Terminology
There has been significant debate over the most appropriate term for these products. While the public and media often use the term 'lab-grown,' regulators and many industry groups prefer 'cell-cultivated' or 'cell-cultured'. Research has shown that consumers find the term 'lab-grown' less appealing, and industry advocates argue it is misleading, as commercial production occurs in food-safe facilities, not traditional laboratories.
A Patchwork of State-Level Regulations
Despite the federal framework, a number of states have created their own, and often stricter, regulations for cultivated meat. This has led to a patchwork of laws across the country, with three primary approaches emerging:
- Specific Labeling Requirements: Several states, such as North Carolina and Utah, have passed laws mandating clear labeling, often specifying font size or placement. In 2025, North Carolina passed a law requiring "lab-grown" or "cell-cultured" to appear prominently on packaging.
- Prohibition of 'Meat' Terms: Some states, like Missouri and Mississippi, have passed laws that explicitly prohibit cultivated products from being labeled as 'meat' unless derived from harvested livestock or poultry. These laws often require a disclaimer to be included on the packaging to avoid misrepresentation.
- Outright Bans: A small number of states have gone further by banning the production and sale of cultivated meat entirely. As of 2025, Mississippi, Florida, and Alabama have enacted statutory bans, often due to concerns about protecting traditional livestock farming.
Federal vs. State Cultivated Meat Labeling: A Comparison
| Feature | Federal Regulation (USDA/FDA) | State Regulation (Varied Examples) |
|---|---|---|
| Governing Body | USDA (FSIS) for labeling; FDA for cell development. | State Departments of Agriculture and Commerce. |
| Required Terminology | 'Cell-cultivated' or 'cell-cultured' alongside product name. | Varies; some require 'lab-grown', some require disclaimers, some prohibit 'meat' terms. |
| Pre-Approval | Yes, all labels must be pre-approved by USDA-FSIS. | Depends on state law; some enforce federal pre-approval, others add extra requirements. |
| Enforcement | USDA-FSIS carries out regular inspections and enforces labeling compliance. | Varies by state; can include fines or penalties for mislabeling. |
| Product Sale | Federally inspected and approved products can be sold nationally, unless prohibited by state law. | Some states impose bans, restricting or prohibiting the sale of cultivated products. |
Conclusion: Labeling Ensures Transparency
Yes, lab grown meat must be labeled in the USA, and the regulations are designed to ensure clear and truthful identification for consumers. A coordinated federal framework between the FDA and USDA mandates the pre-approval of labels using terms like 'cell-cultivated' or 'cell-cultured.' However, this federal system is complicated by a growing number of state-level laws that impose additional labeling restrictions or, in some cases, outright bans. For companies, this means navigating a complex regulatory landscape that varies significantly from state to state. For consumers, the evolving regulations promise greater transparency, allowing them to make informed choices based on a clear understanding of what they are purchasing.
Good Food Institute Resource on Cultivated Meat Regulation
What's the latest update on lab grown meat labeling?
In 2025, federal regulators are finalizing rules that will likely mandate the term "cell-cultivated" or "cell-cultured" on labels, while states continue to introduce varied regulations, including outright bans in some areas.
How does the USDA inspect facilities that produce lab-grown meat?
Facilities where cell-cultured meat from livestock and poultry is harvested, processed, and packaged are inspected by USDA-FSIS, similar to conventional meat facilities.
Are lab-grown and cell-cultivated the same thing?
Terminology: Yes, 'lab-grown' is a common term, but 'cell-cultivated' or 'cell-cultured' is the scientifically preferred term used by regulators like the USDA and FDA, as production occurs in food-grade facilities.
Why do states have their own labeling laws for cultivated meat?
State Laws: Many states have passed their own laws, motivated by a desire to protect the traditional livestock industry, address consumer concerns, and prevent perceived market disruption.
Do restaurants have to label menu items that contain lab-grown meat?
Restaurant Rules: Yes, regulations often extend to restaurants, requiring menu items that contain manufactured protein to be clearly labeled. For example, North Carolina's 2025 bill requires clear menu identification.
What happens if a company mislabels cultivated meat?
Penalties: Companies that violate federal or state labeling laws can face significant penalties. These can include fines, loss of licensing, and other legal action, as seen in state-level enforcement.
What if a state has a ban on cultivated meat?
Legal Landscape: In states with bans, such as Mississippi, Florida, and Alabama, cultivated meat cannot be manufactured, sold, or distributed. Companies operating nationally must comply with these state-level restrictions where they exist.
What is the difference between lab-grown and plant-based meat substitutes?
Product Origin: Lab-grown or cell-cultivated meat is made from real animal cells, while plant-based alternatives are made from plants like soy or peas and contain no animal cells.
Why is consumer acceptance a factor in regulatory debates?
Consumer Perception: Consumer familiarity and acceptance of cultivated meat is still low. The choice of labeling terms and transparency is seen as crucial for building consumer trust and addressing skepticism.
Do all imported cultivated meat products need USDA inspection?
Import Regulations: Yes, imported cultivated meat and poultry products are subject to the same USDA-FSIS requirements as domestic products, including inspection and pre-approval of labels.
