FSANZ Application A1269 – Approval of Cultured Quail as a Novel Food

"On April 9, 2025, Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) approved Application A1269, permitting the use of cell-cultured quail meat as a novel food ingredient in Australia and New Zealand. Submitted by Vow Group Pty Ltd, the application sought approval for cultured quail cells derived from Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) fibroblasts. This marks the first approval of a cell-cultured meat product in the region. FSANZ's comprehensive assessment included evaluations of chemical, nutritional, microbiological, and dietary exposure aspects, along with a detailed examination of the production process. The assessment concluded that the product is safe for consumption. Two rounds of public consultation were conducted, and consumer research was commissioned to understand attitudes toward cell-based foods and appropriate labeling. As a result, FSANZ recommends labeling such products as “cell-cultured” or “cell-cultivated” to support informed consumer choice. Following FSANZ's approval, food ministers from Australia and New Zealand have 60 days to review the decision. If no objections are raised, the approval will be finalized, allowing the sale of cell-cultured quail products in the market.​"