배양육 산업 규제환경 조성을 위한 제도적 개선방안

Cultured meat is drawing attention as a next-generation food that can partially replace meat and secure protein resources. Cultured meat is also one of the alternative protein food resources that can reduce environmental pollution and enhance animal ethics. Especially, since cultured meat is manufactured by culturing animal cells, unlike other alternative protein food types, it has a high similarity to meat in terms of taste and texture, which may attract potential consumers. While cultured meat is at the commercialization stage overseas, for example in Singapore, cultured meat is still in the R&D stage in Korea. Accordingly, there is no regulatory environment necessary to develop and sell cultured meat as food. Therefore, it is not too early to discuss what kind of considerations are needed to foster new industries along with securing food safety. In this paper, we looked at the laws and regulations applied to each stage of cultured meat manufacturing, and identified factors that deter commercializing cultured meat. In the step of securing cells, it was found that difficulties in continual cell supply exist due to the Animal Protection Act and the Livestock Products Sanitation Act, which make difficult directly collecting cells from animals or the use of cell lines. Even in the case of using cell lines, it should be considered that there is room for GMO regulations to be applied depending on the possibility of side effects such as tumor development. In the cell culture step, concerns about food safety may occur as various additives are added to the culture medium. For an bioreactor, it is necessary to consider ways to further alleviate the implementation cycle of open inspection according to the current laws. Lastly, in the food approval stage, not only safety review but also food labeling standards should be observed, and it is necessary to review how to recognize cultured meat as a food material. Institutional improvement plans were presented based on the above considerations. First, we proposed a method to increase the predictability of the regulated by incorporating cultured meat into the institutional system and preparing a clear scope to which related laws and regulations apply. Second, it was suggested that a food safety management system should be established in consideration of the characteristics of cultured meat manufacturing, and a limited regulatory system should be established based on the scientific basis for food safety of cultured meat. Third, it was suggested to establish a regulatory harmonization and cooperation system with the international community. This is because cultured meat companies should prepare for the global market as well as the domestic market, as sales permits have already been obtained or are being visualized in Singapore, Israel, and the United States. Finally, in order to secure global competitiveness nationally, it is necessary to provide institutional support at the government level, and it is proposed to promote government support projects specialized in cultured meat.