The European Commission is stepping up its efforts to reshape the continent’s food system as part of its broader climate agenda. One of the key targets: red meat. In line with its plan to cut CO2 emissions by 90% by 2040, Brussels is shifting its focus towards plant-based and lab-grown alternatives.
Dutch start-up Mosa Meat is leading the way, becoming the first company in Europe to apply for approval to sell fake meat—or ‘Frankenmeat,’ as opponents of the product like to call it. The Dutch company has been working on ‘cultivated meat’ technology for years and has now officially applied for EU market approval. “It is a process that we have been developing for years,” CEO Maarten Bosch told reporters.
In the eyes of Brussels, traditional meat, especially red meat, is seen as a major climate issue. Livestock farming, with its high methane emissions, water usage, and land use, is being blamed for a significant share of Europe’s carbon footprint. EU’s solution: reduce animal products on European plates and promote ‘sustainable’ alternatives. The Commission also argues that health considerations support this transition.
However, Brussels’ plans are not without controversy. Across the EU, political pressure and protests are growing. Farmers are worried about the impact of new environmental rules and food regulations on their livelihoods. Demonstrations have taken place in several cities as farmers voice their concerns over income loss and increased restrictions.
Commission President Ursula von der Leyen acknowledged these tensions, calling the transition “a major challenge” that must be managed without putting food security at risk.
Already in 2023, Italy passed a law banning the production, sale, and import of lab-produced meat and animal feed, in addition to prohibiting the use of the word “meat” to describe plant-based protein products. Several U.S. states have also banned lab-grown ‘meat’ products. These actions reflect a growing trend among governments and lawmakers to regulate or prohibit lab-grown meat in response to concerns about traditional agricultural practices, food safety, and cultural values.
