The UK could see cultivated meat hitting supermarket shelves, after the US Food and Drug (FDA) declared a meat product developed by Upside Foods as safe for human consumption.
A cell-based product, cultivated meat is artificially-grown genuine meat that is produced by cultivating animal cells directly.
After these cells are extracted from a healthy animal, they are placed in a large tank where they are fed nutrients until they divide and grow.
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The process takes two to three weeks depending on the type of meat being produced and is currently restricted to a texture similar to mince, although that is likely to change as technology improves, according to The Independent.
As a result, the FDA has stated the product to be “safe for human consumption” is likely to pave the way for products produced from real animal cells to eventually launch in UK supermarkets.
“This milestone announcement sends a strong message around the world that cultivated meat will be part of a more sustainable food future,” Good Food Institute Europe (GFI), said policy manager Seth Roberts.
“Cultivated meat has the potential to help satisfy growing global demand for meat, while reducing the environmental impacts of our food system.”
“As Cop27 draws to a close, ministers should be investing in climate solutions like cultivated meat – just as they’ve supported renewable energy – to ensure the benefits are felt here in the UK.”
