Comparative Analysis of Regulatory Approaches to Cell-Cultured Tonic Food Containing No Living Animal Cells

Zhangyu Wang, Chunming Wang & Li Du

ABSTRACT

Advancements in cell culture technologies have made possible the mass production of cell-cultured tonic food. Unlike cell-cultured meat products, regulatory issues arising from the commercialization of engineered tonic food have not been sufficiently addressed in the scholarly literature. Using edible bird’s nest produced with cell culture technologies as a case study, we examined relevant pre-market regulations concerning safety assessments and labeling in five selected jurisdictions—the United States, the European Union, China, Singapore, and Hong Kong. Our comparative analysis indicates that a favorable market entry regulatory regime, combined with a post-market product tracing system, constitutes an effective approach towards commercialization of novel tonic foods. We suggest that a tailored regulatory approach should be established towards such novel food that takes into consideration local contexts and mobilizes public support from key stakeholders.