Gourmey Seeks EU Approval for Cultivated Foie Gras, a First for the Region

French food tech company Gourmey has taken a significant step towards introducing cultivated foie gras to the European market. The company has submitted applications to regulatory bodies in the UK and EU, marking the first application to the European Commission for cultivated meat approval. If approved, Gourmey’s product could be sold across all 27 EU countries. Applications are also pending in Switzerland, Singapore, and the United States.

This development follows the recent regulatory clearance for UK startup Meatly’s cultivated chicken pet food. Gourmey, which raised €48 million in 2022 to establish a production center in Paris, the largest of its kind in Europe, has garnered a total of €53 million in funding from venture capitalists including Earlybird, Point Nine, and Air Street Capital. The company’s focus on foie gras aims to address ethical concerns associated with traditional production methods, which involve force-feeding poultry. Gourmey’s cultivated process eliminates this practice.

CEO Nicolas Morin-Forest expressed optimism about the potential for cultivated meat, stating that the process used for foie gras could be applied to other poultry products. Meanwhile, various startups across Europe have also been seeking approvals for their cultivated meat products. For instance, Israel’s Aleph Farms has applied for approval of its cultivated beef in the UK and US, while France’s Vital Meats is pursuing UK approval for its cultivated chicken.

No cultivated meat products have yet been approved for human consumption in Europe, although similar products have received approval in Israel, Singapore, and the US. In Europe, consumer sentiment is divided. The Netherlands has allowed cultivated meat tasting under controlled conditions, while Italy has banned such products entirely.

Gourmey’s applications are part of a global movement towards novel food approvals. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), headquartered in Parma, Italy, is tasked with assessing the safety of these products under the EU Novel Food Regulation, one of the most stringent food safety frameworks globally. The assessment process, which could take at least 18 months, involves evaluating the product’s safety, nutritional value, and potential social and economic impacts.

Gourmey CEO Nicolas Morin-Forest emphasized the company’s commitment to complying with regulatory standards, expressing confidence in meeting the requirements. Seth Roberts, Senior Policy Manager at the Good Food Institute Europe, highlighted the potential benefits of food innovation, including reduced environmental impact and improved animal welfare.

The debate over cultivated meat in Europe continues, with some countries advocating for traditional food models. Italy recently passed a law banning the production and marketing of cultured meat, reflecting the ongoing tension between traditional food practices and innovative food technologies. As the European Commission prepares to make its decision, the outcome will have significant implications for the future of food in Europe.