lab grown meat
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Lab-grown pet food gains approval in the UK
Britain has authorized the sale of lab-grown meat for pet food, marking a pioneering step in Europe.
In short:
- Meatly, a British biotech company, received approval to sell lab-grown chicken cell meat for pets.
- The UK’s move follows Brexit, enabling more flexible regulations compared to the EU.
- Advocates highlight environmental and ethical benefits, such as reduced animal slaughter and pollution.
Key quote:
“We don’t need to raise or kill any animals…Instead of 50 billion chickens a year, it’s one egg, one time, and we’ve created an infinite amount of meat.”
— Owen Ensor, chief executive of Meatly
Why this matters:
Lab-grown pet food can significantly reduce the environmental impact of pet ownership by cutting down on traditional livestock farming. This innovation also addresses ethical concerns associated with meat production, potentially transforming the pet food industry.
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Florida bans the sale of lab-grown meat
Florida has become the first state to ban lab-grown meat, sparking a heated debate on food innovation and public health.
In short:
- Governor Ron DeSantis signed SB 1084, making it illegal to sell, manufacture or distribute cultivated meat in Florida.
- A person could face 60 days in jail and a fine of up to $500 if they are found guilty of breaking the law.
- Upside Foods and GOOD Meat, companies authorized to sell lab-grown meat accused the law of protecting traditional agriculture interests.
Key quote:
"We believe that cultivated meat is essential for the future of food and people should have the right to choose what they eat."
— Dr. Uma Valeti, CEO and founder of Upside Foods.
Why this matters:
Banning cultivated meat could stifle innovation and limits consumer choice. As lab-grown meat could offer environmental and ethical benefits, such legislation may hinder progress towards more sustainable food production methods.
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Debate heats up over lab-grown meat
Several U.S. states, led by Republican lawmakers, are pushing to ban the sale and production of lab-grown meat, citing concerns over competition and naturalness.
In short:
- Florida and other states are proposing bans on cell-cultivated meat, citing concerns over competition for traditional farmers and questioning the naturalness of the product.
- These state-level bans, along with federal proposals, reflect a broader political strategy to protect conventional meat industries.
- The debate raises questions about free market principles, innovation in sustainable food production, and the future of meat consumption.
Key quote:
“We’re not going to do that fake meat.”
— Ron DeSantis, Florida governor
Why this matters:
As the world grapples with environmental and ethical issues related to meat production, these debates shape the future of our food systems. The outcome could have significant implications for sustainability, animal welfare, and the dietary choices available to consumers.
As the plant-based and cell-cultured "meat" industry grows, policymakers are increasingly looking to influence labelling — which could shape consumer acceptance.
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Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash
Chris Smaje: Ecomodernism will lead to a 'farm-free future'
In his new book, the author argues against lab-grown meat and in favor of a relocalized, agrarian food system that rebuilds local economies.
Photo by Elena Leya on Unsplash
US approves chicken made from cultivated cells, the nation's first 'lab-grown' meat
For the first time, U.S. regulators on Wednesday approved the sale of chicken made from animal cells, allowing two California companies to offer “lab-grown” meat to the nation’s restaurant tables and eventually, supermarket shelves.
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Photo by Charlie Solorzano on Unsplash
Lab-grown meat gets a key missing ingredient: 3D fat
Most research has focused on producing muscle fibers. This new discovery moves us closer to cultured meat that is a delicious alternative to animal slaughter.
Your first lab-grown burger won’t contain much beef
Meat brewed in bioreactors is on the way, but it’s still too expensive. The solution? Add a whole lot of plants.
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