Lab-grown meat is the new in-thing, both exciting and controversial. On one hand, it can replace meat that has a significant carbon footprint. On the other, agricultural lobbies famously call it ‘Frankenstein’ meat and say it will affect farmers.
Lab-grown meat, cultivated meat or cultured meat is produced in a laboratory using animal cells.
Globally, many companies are developing lab-grown meat like pork, beef, and chicken substitutes. As per Tech Crunch, high-end or unusual meats, including elk, lamb, bison, and Wagyu beef, are also there. As are various types of fishes and other seafood.
According to the Good Food Institute, there are currently 159 cultivated meat companies operating in 32 countries. Investment in the sector has reached $2.8 billion worldwide, with 120 million euros raised in Europe last year.
Italy recently (Nov 2023) became the first European Union nation to ban the production and sale of lab-grown meat. The reason? Health concerns and a need to safeguard its livestock industry.
In 2020, Singapore became the first country in the world to approve the sale of cultured meat. The netherlands, and the US, have since also followed suit and granted approval.