Media Release – Vow breaking new ground

February 28, 2023

The Alternative Proteins Council (APC) congratulates Vow Group on its application, to the Australia New Zealand food regulatory agency, which seeks to approve cultured quail.

Vow’s entrepreneurial endeavour in producing alternative proteins is breaking new ground with its development and production of cell-cultivated quail, said APC Executive, Jennifer Thompson.

As a ‘novel food’, meaning it’s not had a traditional use in our food supply, albeit similar to the conventional counterpart, Vow has submitted an application to the food regulatory authority, Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ), seeking an amendment to the Australia New Zealand Foods Standards Code to approve the use of cultured quail as a food ingredient.

Vow has concluded that their cultured quail is safe for human consumption based on thorough safety assessments.

APC Executive Jennifer Thompson said, “It is now over to FSANZ to conduct its scientific and safety assessment – a public, transparent and trusted process by the world class regulatory authority – where all stakeholders can participate in the approval process.

“Subject to approval by FSANZ consumers will have access to a novel alternative to conventional quail meat.

“These are indeed exciting times for the alternative proteins market development in Australia, for exports, job creation and to feed the growing population,” Ms Thompson said.

Media contacts
Jennifer Thompson, APC Head | 0418 223170
Kirsten Grinter, APC Chair | 0423 820668

About the Alternative Proteins Council
The Alternative Proteins Council (APC) was established in March 2021 as the peak representative group for Australia’s and New Zealand’s alternative proteins sector. Alternative proteins, being foods made using plant protein, precision fermentation and cell-cultivating technologies. Our growing membership spans primary production through to value-add consumer goods manufacture.