A recent survey indicates that most Europeans back the sale of cultivated meat, provided it receives regulatory approval, amidst ongoing discussions about potential bans in several countries.
Europeans Largely Support Cultivated Meat Despite Regulatory Debates
BRUSSELS – Amid ongoing debates among European policymakers regarding the future of cultivated meat, a recent survey has revealed a significant level of support among Europeans for this innovative food technology, provided it passes safety assessments by food regulators.
The conversation on cultivated meat gained momentum following Hungary’s notification to the European Union of its intention to ban these proteins within its borders. This discussion was further intensified during an informal lunch meeting among European leaders in Brussels, where the merits and future of cultivated meat were vigorously debated.
However, a YouGov poll conducted for the Good Food Institute (GFI) Europe indicates that most Europeans are against such restrictions and prefer to have the option to decide for themselves whether to consume cultivated meat. The survey, which covered over 16,000 participants from 15 EU countries, found widespread support for the sale of cultivated meat contingent on regulatory approval. The sentiment was particularly strong in Portugal (69%), Germany (65%), the Netherlands, and Austria (both 63%).
“I’m very proud of my local food… but I am not in favour of forcing people to eat this or that”, said Cem Özdemir, Germany’s agrifood minister, during the EU’s Agriculture and Fisheries (Agrifish) Council meeting.
Conversely, Romania (49%) and France (48%) showed the least support, influenced by ongoing discussions in both countries regarding potential bans on cultivated meat, aligning with broader efforts within the EU to restrict the industry.
The survey underscores confidence in the EU’s stringent regulatory processes and suggests many believe that once cultivated meat is approved, consumer choice should prevail. “Cultivated meat must go through one of the world’s most rigorous regulatory processes before it will be available in the EU. This survey shows people across a wide range of countries believe that once it’s been approved, it should be down to consumers to decide whether or not they want to eat it,” said Seth Roberts, senior policy manager at GFI Europe.
Despite these assurances, awareness of cultivated meat remains limited. In only four countries—Netherlands, Austria, Sweden, and Germany—did the number of people who had heard about cultivated meat exceed 40%. Awareness in Italy was highest amongst these, with 21% claiming to know “a lot” about cultivated meat.
The survey also revealed a strong preference among Europeans for allowing cultivated meat products to use traditional meat-related terms on their packaging, provided it is clearly stated that they do not come from livestock farming. This was especially prominent in Spain (81%), Portugal, Hungary, Czechia, and Greece (all 79%).
Regarding legislative support, the Netherlands (24%), Portugal (25%), and Denmark (29%) exhibited the lowest support for banning cultivated meat. Italy, however, stands out, being the first and currently the only EU country to have enacted such a ban, which includes the restriction of meat-related terminology on plant-based product packaging.
Public opinion also seems to favour domestic production of cultivated meat if it were to reach the market, with Romania being an exception (38%). On potential government R&D funding and benefits for farmers, opinions were more divided.
EU leaders remain split over the issue, as evidenced by recent debates. Luis Planas, Spain’s agriculture minister, noted, “Allow me a democratic consideration: in the end, the one who is right is the consumer. And if the consumer asks for new products, we will have to take them into account.” His sentiment was echoed by Germany’s Özdemir.
No approvals for cultivated meat have been granted within the EU so far due to the rigorous regulatory framework, which has driven startups to seek approval in more receptive markets like Singapore and the US. The urgency was heightened last week when the UK, now outside the EU, became the first in Europe to approve cultivated meat for sale, specifically Meatly’s chicken for pets. Switzerland is also reviewing an application for cultivated beef.
The survey results clearly indicate a significant portion of the European populace is open to integrating cultivated meat into their diets. Highest willingness to try it was found in Portugal (63%), Czechia, and the Netherlands (59%).
Despite the general support, the idea of cultivated meat supplanting traditional meat consumption is met with some hesitation. In the Netherlands, only 31% indicated a willingness to partially replace their meat consumption with cultivated meat, the highest percentage among surveyed countries. Romania and Greece had the highest proportions of individuals not willing to ever try cultivated meat (53% and 49%, respectively).
The debate on cultivated meat reflects broader conversations on food security, innovation, and traditional culinary practices within the EU. As policymakers navigate these complex dynamics, the latest survey offers a glimpse into public sentiment, showcasing widespread support for consumer freedom and a diversified food system.