Navigating Food Transition: European Policy Tools for Novel Foods and the Italian Debate on Cultured Meat

Abstract

The global food system—encompassing production, consumption, and disposal—has been widely recognized as unsustainable, contributing significantly to environmental degradation and social disparities. In response to these challenges, the transition toward more equitable food systems has become imperative. Despite the widely acknowledged need to change Western eating habits, the transition toward more sustainable diets appears as a “false wicked problem” being characterized by intricate trade-offs between economic, ethical, societal, and environmental issues. This paper examines the crucial role of policy interventions in steering the shift and in considering the role that the emergence of novel foods and alternative proteins – such as cultured meat – might play within it. By employing a qualitative methodology, the study maps the policies governing novel foods in Europe, with a specific emphasis on the three tools of regulations, informational campaigns, and incentives. This paper gives particular attention to the cultured meat debate in Italy as a case study for approaching not only the multifaceted nature of food—an interplay of cultural values, economic interests, and political decision-making—but also the staunch resistance that such transition is likely to encounter. The main highlights underscore the need for a comprehensive and balanced approach to integrate regulatory measures, consumer education, and inclusive stakeholder engagement while stressing the importance of evidence-based choices, transparent communication, and the recognition of the socio-cultural dimensions in shaping food policies.