Which agency has primary oversight for cell cultured meat products?

• A. FDA
• B. FSIS
• C. USDA
• D. CDC

Answer: (A)

Cell cultured meat is produced through a biological process that starts with animal cells grown in a controlled environment, so the primary regulator is the agency with expertise in overseeing the safety of biological production and food ingredients. The FDA leads the evaluation of the cellular components, including the cell lines, growth media, scaffolds, and the bioprocess itself, to ensure there are no harmful contaminants and that the production methods are safe and well-controlled. While the finished product may later fall under regulatory scrutiny by USDA’s FSIS for its status as a meat product and for labeling and final product safety, the core oversight during development and manufacturing is carried out by FDA. CDC does not regulate the safety of food production in this context, and USDA’s role here is more about the final meat-product framework rather than the primary supervision of the cultured process.