Food safety challenges in media formulation for cultivated meat production

Abstract

Conventional meat production is resource-intensive and raises ethical concerns, prompting interest in cultured meat produced via growing stem cell cultivation in bioreactors with specialized media. However, cultured meat faces challenges in media formulation including high costs, reliance on non-food-grade components, and regulatory approval hurdles. This review presents a risk-based framework for media components, analyses regulatory landscapes across selected regions, and identifies opportunities for innovation including serum-free media development, and sustainable low-cost ingredients. It highlights that while non-food-grade media components pose potential risks, these can be mitigated through rigorous assessment, manufacturing controls, and wash procedures. Our findings suggest that adopting food-grade and serum-free media formulations can enhance sustainability, reduce costs, and facilitate regulatory compliance. This review emphasizes the importance of systematic safety evaluations and regulatory harmonization to support the commercial viability and consumer acceptance of cultured meat products.