EU Evaluates Cultured Duck Cells as a Novel Food Under Regulation (EU) 2015/2283

Suprême SAS (Gourmey) has submitted an application for the authorization of duck cells derived from cell culture (Anas platyrhynchos, Pekin duck) as a novel food under Regulation (EU) 2015/2283. This product falls under the category of foods produced from cell culture or tissue culture derived from animals. The intended uses include incorporation into meat analogues, spreadable-textured specialties, fats, oils, and duck meat and pâté substitutes, with inclusion rates ranging from 5% to 80% by weight of the final product. The production process involves creating master and working cell banks from non-genetically modified fertilized duck eggs, cultivating the cells in a sterile, fully defined, food-safe medium free from antibiotics and fetal bovine serum, and harvesting the biomass through centrifugation and saline washing. The final product contains at least 10% protein (70% on a dry weight basis). Comprehensive assessments have demonstrated that the novel food meets EU regulations concerning contaminants and microbiological criteria, is nutritionally adequate, and free from harmful microbial and chemical contaminants. Preventative controls and quality assurance programs, including Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) principles, have been implemented to mitigate potential hazards. Based on the provided evidence, the cultured duck cells are considered safe for human consumption under the proposed conditions of use.