Cell-Based Meat in the European Union: A Regulatory Crossroads

In recent years, we have witnessed the emergence of cell-based meat as a transformative innovation, bearing significant implications for the ongoing debate on the European Union (EU) regulatory framework. The inherently novel and ethically debated nature of cultivated meat calls for a comprehensive and forwardlooking regulatory approach—one that can address not only scientific and safety concerns, but also societal, economic, ethical and environmental dimensions. As the discussion around the legitimacy of national provisions limiting the marketing of this product continues to evolve, it remains to be seen whether the current Novel Foods Regulation will prove sufficiently robust, or if further legislative reforms will be required to effectively integrate the emerging sector of cellular agriculture into the EU’s regulatory landscape. This chapter explores the recent debate and political initiatives put forward by various Member States, as well as the responses of different EU institutions, offering an in-depth analysis of future scenarios and challenges.