The United States has become the second country, following Singapore, to approve the sale of lab-grown chicken meat. The US Department of Agriculture has inspected and given the green light to Upside Foods and Good Meat, allowing them to pave the way for artificial meat on plates.
Uma Valeti, CEO and Founder of Upside Foods, expressed excitement about the authorization, stating that it will fundamentally change the way meat is consumed. Valeti also praised the decision as a significant step towards a more sustainable future. Josh Tetrick, co-founder and CEO of Eat Just, the company behind Good Meat, was delighted that lab-grown meat is now authorized for sale in the world’s leading power.
Eat Just was the first company to receive authorization to market artificial meat in Singapore in 2020. Last May, the company signed an agreement with an equipment manufacturer to develop large-scale tanks for the production of chicken and beef.
The production process of lab-grown chicken meat involves culturing cells extracted from an animal in bioreactors and providing them with nutrients similar to those consumed by real animals. These nutrients allow the cells to grow into muscle tissue and fat, mimicking the natural growth process. The final product is harvested from vats and molded into predefined shapes, such as chicken fillets.
Upside Foods and Good Meat have assured that their products will soon be available in several restaurants. Renowned French chef Dominique Crenn has already placed an order with the laboratories for her restaurant in San Francisco. The first batch of lab-grown meat will be delivered to celebrity chef José Andrés, who is Good Meat’s new and first customer. The meat will then make its way to the capital, Washington.
Lab-grown meat aims to provide a more sustainable alternative to traditional farming, reducing the environmental impact and eliminating animal suffering. However, the production of lab-grown meat is currently complex and expensive. Some companies have turned to the pet food market as a less challenging avenue. Bond Pet Foods, a Colorado start-up, is developing animal protein through microbial fermentation to feed dogs without the need for traditional livestock farming.
Despite the potential benefits, questions remain about the environmental impact and health safety of lab-grown meat. A recent study from the University of California at Davis highlighted the high energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions associated with all phases of laboratory meat production.
With the authorization of lab-grown chicken meat in the United States, the future of artificial meat on plates seems promising. However, further research and development are needed to address the challenges and ensure a sustainable and safe alternative to traditional meat production.
What role did Upside Foods and Good Meat play in paving the way for artificial meat to be sold in the US
United States has officially joined Singapore in approving the sale of lab-grown chicken meat, making it the second country to do so. The US Department of Agriculture has conducted inspections and given the green light to Upside Foods and Good Meat, clearing the path for artificial meat to make its way onto plates across the nation.
Uma Valeti, CEO and Founder of Upside Foods, expressed his excitement regarding this groundbreaking authorization, stating that it would revolutionize the way meat is consumed. Valeti also lauded the decision as a significant stride towards a more sustainable future. Similarly, Josh Tetrick, co-founder and CEO of Eat Just, the company behind Good Meat, expressed his delight at the fact that lab-grown meat is now authorized for sale in the most influential country in the world.
Eat Just was the pioneer in receiving authorization to market artificial meat in Singapore last year. In May 2020, the company entered into an agreement with an equipment manufacturer to develop large-scale tanks for the production of lab-grown chicken and beef.
This is a groundbreaking decision! Lab-grown chicken meat has the potential to revolutionize the food industry and pave the way for a more sustainable future. Kudos to the United States for authorizing its sale and supporting innovative solutions to address our environmental challenges.