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State ag officials give nod to USDA on cell-cultured meat regulation
Story Date: 9/13/2018
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Source: PRESS RELEASE, 9/12/18
Members of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) voted yesterday in support of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) jurisdiction over cell cultured and tissue culture products derived from livestock and poultry. The action item was co-sponsored by Wisconsin Secretary of Agriculture Sheila Harsdorf and North Carolina Commissioner of Agriculture Steve Troxler.
NASDA Members believe that USDA is the appropriate lead agency and encourages them to work with states and federal agencies to ensure that these products are appropriately regulated and labeled. NASDA CEO Dr. Barbara P. Glenn highlighted the importance of collaboration and coordination amongst federal agencies when developing an appropriate regulatory framework for these products.
“We must provide our food industry with a trusted regulatory environment that prioritizes both food safety and proper nutritional labeling for American consumers. I am confident that USDA can lead that regulatory pathway for these innovative products, while engaging with other state and federal agencies“
NASDA is committed to supporting regulations that foster new technologies, while preserving high regulatory standards. Twenty-seven states have their own meat and/or poultry inspection programs covering nearly 1,900 establishments. The states run the programs cooperatively with USDA’s Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS).
“We are committed to being at the forefront of the discussion about this regulatory framework, as state departments of agriculture play an important role in ensuring food safety around the country. This is just the beginning of a long discussion that industry, stakeholders, and state and federal partners ought to have to ensure a safe and reliable food supply to American consumers. NASDA looks forward to working with stakeholders who support USDA’s important role regulating cell based meat and poultry products.”
NASDA represents the elected and appointed commissioners, secretaries, and directors of the departments of agriculture in all fifty states and four U.S. territories. NASDA grows and enhances agriculture by forging partnerships and creating consensus to achieve sound policy outcomes between state departments of agriculture, the federal government, and stakeholders.
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