V-Label, the organization behind one of the world’s best-known vegan and vegetarian trademarks, has announced the launch of a new certification for cultivated food products. Called C-Label, it is said to be the first independent authority to certify cultivated food producers around the globe.
To qualify, products must meet several conditions:
- Animal-free cell growth media must be used.
- Any interventions or procedures requiring animals must be demonstrably necessary, painless, and stress-free. Animals must not be killed during the procurement or manufacturing process.
- End products must be GMO-free, though GMOs may be used in the production process.
- Antibiotics must not be used, and products must be made using a pathogen-free process. They must also be free of heavy metals and plastics.
- Cell extractions from animals must be limited as much as possible, and any extractions must be well-founded. Animal-free technologies should be used wherever possible, avoiding the need for constant cell extraction. Only immortalized cells are currently permitted, meaning minimal — if any — resampling is required.
Pushing the boundaries of sustainable food
The launch of the certification has been announced alongside UK-based cultivated pet food startup Meatly, which has become the world’s first producer of C-Label licensed cultivated chicken. It is hoped that the certification will help consumers understand the production process behind cultivated meat, while enhancing trust and acceptance of cultivated products.
C-Label continues to communicate with stakeholders and experts in the cultivated meat industry, with the intention of remaining at the cutting edge of new developments.
“Cultivated meat offers a huge potential to eliminate inhumane farming practices and greatly lower the negative impact of farming livestock on our environment,” said V-Label founder Renato Pichler. “Our certification for cell-based meat is a testament to our dedication to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in sustainable food production. We believe that by setting high standards and fostering collaboration across the industry, we can accelerate the adoption of cell-based meat and contribute to a more sustainable and ethical food future.”
