Laboratory foie gras: authorization of the first laboratory protein product in the European Union is imminent

By: Trademagazin Date: 2024. 09. 24. 11:45

The European Commission has received a license application for the first protein product produced under laboratory conditions. A French startup, Gourmey, has applied to market its lab-grown foie gras product not only in the EU, but also in several other countries, such as Switzerland and the USA. If approved, this product could pave the way for laboratory food to become more widespread in the EU.

The National Chamber of Agriculture (NAK), the Association of Hungarian Farmers’ Cooperatives and Farmers’ Cooperatives (MAGOSZ) and the Poultry Product Council (BTT) issued a joint statement in favor of traditional animal husbandry, rejecting the promotion of laboratory foods. The spread of laboratory protein products has also caused considerable concern in the European agricultural sector. The European Livestock Voice analysis highlights several unanswered questions, including risks to human health and food safety, as well as impacts on traditional food production.

Although proponents of laboratory foods emphasize environmental awareness, many studies deny that these foods are “greener” because their production requires a lot of energy.