FSIS labeling for cell cultured meats requires preapproval and verification.

• A. Not required
• B. Required
• C. Optional
• D. Not applicable

Answer: (B)

Labeling for cell cultured meats is subject to FSIS rules that govern meat and poultry product labels. Before a product can be sold, the label must go through FSIS review and be approved to ensure it truthfully describes the product and doesn’t mislead consumers. Because cultured meat is a novel processing method, FSIS pays special attention to how the product is named and how any claims are worded, such as indicating that it is cell-cultured or lab-grown and clarifying the relationship to traditional meat.

After the initial approval, there is ongoing verification to ensure the product and its label stay in compliance. The establishment’s labeling is checked during inspections, and any batch labeling must continue to reflect the actual product. This verification helps prevent discrepancies between what the label says and what is in the package.

That’s why this requirement is not optional, not just occasionally used, and not inapplicable—FSIS labeling for cell cultured meats requires preapproval and ongoing verification to protect accuracy and prevent consumer deception.