GOOD Meat, a division of Eat Just, Inc., introduced cultivated chicken to consumers by growing meat directly from animal cells instead of traditional farming.
Key milestones in the cultivated meat timeline include:
- December 2020: First regulatory approval in Singapore, launching cultivated chicken bites at a restaurant.
- March 2023: FDA safety clearance in the US.
- June 2023: USDA label approval, enabling production and sales in the US.
- May 2024: Retail availability of frozen cultivated chicken in Singapore.
GOOD Meat scaled production by developing various bioreactor designs and improving growth media, cutting production costs by 90% (2018-2022). Their cultivated chicken is now served in restaurants, available for delivery, and sold in retail, paving the way for broader accessibility.
GOOD Meat Cultivated Chicken Timeline: From Singapore Approval to US Market Launch
GOOD Meat's Origins and Mission
The Company's Initial Goals
GOOD Meat set out with a bold aim: to create real chicken meat without the need for animal slaughter or the environmental impact of traditional farming. By applying science, specifically the science behind cultivated meat, the company tackles some of the biggest challenges in the food system, offering chicken that sidesteps the downsides of conventional agriculture. While meat remains a staple of our diets, the way it's produced urgently needs a rethink [1].
As the company explains:
GOOD Meat is real meat, made without tearing down a forest or taking a life. [5]
This forward-thinking mission is deeply rooted in the innovative legacy of its parent company, Eat Just, Inc.
Connection to Eat Just, Inc.
GOOD Meat operates as a part of Eat Just, Inc., a company renowned for its advancements in sustainable food technology. Based in Alameda, California, Eat Just first gained recognition with its plant-based JUST Egg products [5][3]. Under the leadership of Josh Tetrick, who serves as CEO for both Eat Just and GOOD Meat, the company expanded into cultivated meat while continuing to offer its popular plant-based options [3]. This dual strategy allows them to cater to a wide range of consumer tastes, all while working towards a more sustainable food future.
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Regulatory Approval and Launch in Singapore
Singapore Food Agency Approvals
Singapore, which relies on imports for over 90% of its food, proved to be a fitting launchpad for Cultivated Meat. This aligns with the country's "30 by 30" initiative, aiming to produce 30% of its nutritional needs locally by 2030[8]. This national goal created a supportive environment for food innovation, including the introduction of Cultivated Meat.
The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) approved the sale of cultivated chicken after a thorough review process. This included extensive safety evaluations, inspections of production facilities, and ensuring compliance with Singapore's novel food standards[8]. In December 2020, GOOD Meat gained approval for its chicken bites, which combine 70% Cultivated Meat with 30% plant-based ingredients[7]. By 2021, the SFA extended approval to include additional formats, such as chicken breast[6]. A major milestone followed in early 2023 with the approval of serum-free growth media. This innovation replaced fetal bovine serum (FBS), a costly component that could make up to 99% of production expenses. By eliminating FBS, production became more scalable and affordable[6]. These regulatory approvals smoothed the path for a quick market launch.
First Restaurant Serving and Consumer Expansion
Once regulatory approvals were secured, GOOD Meat wasted no time entering the market. In December 2020, the company made history with the world’s first commercial sale of Cultivated Meat at the 1880 restaurant in Singapore[8]. Initially offered through exclusive dinners, the product became a regular menu item by early 2021[8].
GOOD Meat expanded its reach by partnering with traditional hawker stalls, bringing cultivated chicken into everyday dining experiences[2]. They also teamed up with foodpanda, making it the first time cultivated chicken dishes were available for home delivery anywhere in the world[2]. By January 2023, following the approval of serum-free media, GOOD Meat collaborated with Huber's Butchery to let consumers purchase cultivated chicken by reservation[2]. Then, in May 2024, Huber's Butchery began selling frozen cultivated chicken for retail, giving customers the chance to cook cultivated meat at home for the first time[7].
Entering the US Market
FDA and USDA Approvals
After its success in Singapore, GOOD Meat set its sights on the United States. However, entering the US market meant navigating a unique regulatory process involving two agencies: the FDA, responsible for cell collection and growth, and the USDA, which oversees harvest, processing, and labelling. This dual-agency framework was established in 2019.
In March 2023, GOOD Meat cleared a major hurdle when the FDA completed its pre-market safety consultation. The agency issued a "no questions" letter, agreeing with the company's assessment that its cultivated chicken is safe for human consumption. Just a few months later, on 8 June 2023, GOOD Meat achieved another milestone by securing the first USDA label approval for cultivated meat. The product is officially labelled as "cell-cultivated chicken" [4].
On 21 June 2023, the USDA granted inspection for the Alameda demonstration plant and JOINN Biologics in Richmond. This approval authorised commercial production and interstate sales, making the US the second country to allow the sale of cultivated meat [2]. These achievements are a significant step forward for GOOD Meat’s vision of reshaping meat production.
"This announcement that we're now able to produce and sell cultivated meat in the United States is a major moment for our company, the industry and the food system." - Josh Tetrick, Co-founder and CEO of GOOD Meat and Eat Just [2]
With these approvals in place, GOOD Meat was ready to bring its product to American consumers.
First US Restaurant Launch
Building on its regulatory success, GOOD Meat produced its first US batch of cultivated chicken for Chef José Andrés. The celebrated chef and restaurateur became the first in the United States to serve cultivated chicken, offering it at one of his Washington, D.C. restaurants [2]. This marked a significant moment, bringing GOOD Meat's innovation from Singapore to American diners within just three years of its initial launch.
Scaling Production Capacity
Building Large-Scale Production Facilities
Moving from restaurant menus to retail shelves requires serious infrastructure upgrades. In May 2022, GOOD Meat took a major step by teaming up with ABEC, Inc., a top biotech engineering firm. Together, they developed ten massive 250,000-litre bioreactors, specifically designed for avian cell culture. These bioreactors are the centrepiece of GOOD Meat's planned U.S. facility, which, once fully operational, aims to produce an impressive 30 million pounds (around 13.6 million kg) of cultivated meat annually [9].
To tackle one of the industry's biggest hurdles - production costs - GOOD Meat focused on improving its growth media. This mix of amino acids, vitamins, and fats is essential for feeding the cells. In May 2022, they partnered with ADM (Archer-Daniels-Midland Company), using ADM's expertise in large-scale nutrient processing. This collaboration not only enhanced the flavour and texture of the meat but also slashed production costs by 90% between 2018 and 2022 when using purpose-built facilities [10]. These advancements reflect GOOD Meat’s drive to make cultivated meat more accessible to a wider audience.
"We've learned that consumers want this, and we're ready to take the next step to make this happen at commercial scale."
- Josh Tetrick, Co-founder and CEO, Eat Just [9]
ABEC also created bioreactors for GOOD Meat's demonstration plant in Alameda, California, which became operational in Q4 2022, and for a facility in Singapore, scheduled to launch in Q1 2023. Together, these facilities form a global production network capable of meeting demand across multiple markets [9]. These advancements not only increase production capacity but also lay the groundwork for broader market expansion.
Plans for Wider Availability
With these enhanced production capabilities, GOOD Meat is set to move from niche restaurant offerings to reaching millions of consumers. The scale of the U.S. facility is a key step in making cultivated meat widely available in retail settings [9].
"We are proud to partner with their [ADM's] incredibly talented team of scientists and engineers to take cultivated meat from a few restaurants today to millions of consumers tomorrow."
- Josh Tetrick, Co-founder and CEO, Eat Just [10]
Having secured regulatory approvals in both Singapore and the United States, GOOD Meat is in a strong position to expand its operations across these major markets. As production scales up, the company is not only refining its processes but also working to build greater consumer awareness.
Tasting GOOD Meat Cultivated Chicken at Huber's Butchery with Alan Wan
Conclusion
GOOD Meat's journey from concept to commercial availability marks a major shift in food production. In December 2020, the company achieved a world first by gaining regulatory approval for Cultivated Meat in Singapore. This was followed by a groundbreaking moment in June 2023 when GOOD Meat successfully completed the dual regulatory process in the United States, receiving full clearance from both the FDA and USDA[3]. These milestones signal a transformative step for the future of meat production.
The rapid move from exclusive tastings to retail availability at Huber's Butchery highlights how quickly Cultivated Meat is becoming part of everyday diets. This shift underscores its transition from an experimental concept to a viable option for regular consumption[3]. Accolades such as TIME's Best Inventions of 2023 and recognition as a Scientific Breakthrough of the Year further validate Cultivated Meat as a genuine advancement in food innovation[3].
In September 2023, a ruling by prominent Shariah scholars declared that Cultivated Meat can be Halal, opening up this technology to over 2 billion people globally[3]. With its cultivated chicken, GOOD Meat aims to provide a scalable solution to meet increasing global demand for meat while addressing concerns about sustainability.
For those keen to learn more about this emerging field, the Cultivated Meat Shop offers a reliable resource for science-based insights. It explains how Cultivated Meat is produced, covering the basics of cultivated meat, what products are on the horizon, and how this technology could reshape the way we eat. While these products aren't yet available in the UK, staying informed today ensures you'll be ready when they eventually hit British shelves.
FAQs
How does GOOD Meat grow real chicken from cells?
GOOD Meat produces real chicken by starting with cells taken from live chickens. They carefully choose the most suitable cells and enable them to multiply indefinitely. These cells are then grown in a bioreactor, where they're nourished with key nutrients such as amino acids, fats, and vitamins. This process allows the chicken to develop without the need for animal slaughter or causing harm.
Is cultivated chicken safe to eat, and who regulates it?
Cultivated chicken has been deemed safe for consumption, having passed extensive safety evaluations. Regulatory bodies such as the USDA and FDA have thoroughly reviewed it, with final approval being granted in 2023. These agencies enforce strict food safety regulations to ensure its compliance with established standards.
When will cultivated chicken be available in the UK?
Cultivated chicken is set to make its debut in the UK soon. The Cultivated Meat Shop is gearing up for its launch, promising to offer these products for purchase. The first items are expected to hit the market in the near future.
