Revolutionized dining: Decent food technology is no longer a product of science-fiction dreams
In the realm of content creation, Zuzana Paar stands out as a beacon of inspiration. With five captivating websites under her belt, focusing on travel, healthy living, and eco-friendly tips, her work aims to empower readers to lead their best, healthiest, and most sustainable lives.
Meanwhile, in the world of food production, a new revolution is brewing. Cell-based food, produced by cultivating animal cells in laboratory settings, is making waves as a potential solution to the environmental impact of traditional farming methods.
The interest in lab-grown meat is growing, particularly among Gen Z and millennials, who are expressing curiosity and openness towards these new products. Companies like GOOD Meat (a division of Eat Just, Inc.) and California-based Upside Foods are leading the charge in the commercialization of cell-cultivated meat.
The process begins with a sample of animal tissue, collected through noninvasive methods. The cells are then isolated, multiplied, and guided to form muscle, fat, or connective tissue using a controlled environment and nutrient mix. This method requires fewer inputs and causes less environmental damage, making it an attractive alternative to conventional farming.
Deforestation, peatland loss for farmland, emissions from manufacturing, retail, and food waste are major contributors to food production's environmental impact. The climate impact of food production is significant, contributing to a third of global emissions. By eliminating the need for conventional livestock farming, cell-cultivated meat could help address these concerns.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration oversees the early stages of cell-cultured meat production, while the United States Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service takes over processing, labeling, and compliance for meat and poultry products. Developers of cell-cultured meat must complete a pre-market consultation with the FDA, which reviews cell sourcing, processing, and manufacturing, and inspects facilities and records to verify safety practices and legal compliance.
Upside Foods, in particular, has made significant strides in the production of cultivated chicken. Their Engineering, Production and Innovation Center (EPIC) focuses on refining the taste, texture, and production process of cultivated chicken. In a groundbreaking move, Upside Foods has received clearance from the Food and Drug Administration and the United States Department of Agriculture to sell its products in the U.S., bringing lab-grown chicken closer to commercial availability.
Younger consumers are attracted to the reduced environmental impact, animal protection, potential health benefits, and idea of a clean, smart snack offered by cultivated alternatives. The three leading companies active in the USA that commercially produce cell-cultivated meat are GOOD Meat, Upside Foods, and Wildtype. GOOD Meat and Upside Foods are approved to produce and market cultivated chicken meat, while Wildtype focuses on cultivated seafood.
In 2020, GOOD Meat received the world's first regulatory approval for slaughter-free meat and showcased its products at the 27th United Nations Climate Change Conference. This milestone marks a significant step towards a more sustainable future for food production.
As scientists and startups continue to develop cell-based food, it's clear that this could be the solution we've been waiting for to reduce the environmental impact of food production. With the support of regulatory bodies and the growing interest from consumers, the future of lab-grown meat looks promising.
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