The UK government has invested £1.4 million in a new innovation hub to expand the expertise of the Food Standards Agency (FSA) in precision fermentation. This technology, using microorganisms to produce ingredients like whey protein without animals, has potential economic and environmental benefits. No precision fermentation dairy products are currently available in the UK, but the FSA is evaluating applications through the new hub to provide regulatory clarity for companies wanting to sell them.

In addition to the investment in precision fermentation, the government has also funded four alternative protein innovation centers in the UK. These centers aim to drive innovation in alternative proteins and have recently signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate. Government funding has also been allocated to a regulatory sandbox within the FSA and Food Standards Scotland to accelerate the authorization process for cultivated meat and seafood. This investment and focus on food innovation aim to uphold safety regulations while reducing the climate impact of food production.