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Lab-grown meat turns 10

Is this the future of meat?

Lab-grown meat turns 10 : James Goldie, 360info CC BY 4.0 Lab-grown meat turns 10 : James Goldie, 360info CC BY 4.0

There are still many hurdles for lab-grown meat to overcome before it changes the way we eat.

It’s been ten years on 5 August 2023 since the world was introduced to the first lab-grown burger, with its accompanying promises of slaughter-free meat produced more sustainably.

But a decade later, lab-grown chicken products have only been approved for sale in Singapore and the US so far, and they’re not yet being produced at scale.

Originally published under Creative Commons by 360info™.

Editors Note: In the story “Lab-grown meat turns 10” sent at: 03/08/2023 08:12.

This is a corrected repeat.

In this Special Report

Research is looking at how cultured meat could impact farmers across the UK. : Unsplash: Charlie Parker Unsplash licence

Lab-grown meat could have a huge impact on farmers so researchers are asking them what they think about it.

‘Frankenstein’ meat or food future: farmers tell
These meat sausages were made from animal cells and grown in a bioreactor. Unsplash: Ivy Farm Credits Unsplash licence

It’s been around for a decade now — but cultured meat still faces some huge hurdles.

Eight key questions about lab-grown meat
Fish, squid and prawn balls are popular in parts of Asia. To succeed on this continent, the cultured meat industry needs to create products that match local cuisines. : Wee Keat Chin CC BY 2.0

For lab-grown meat to be a global success it needs to be accepted by consumers in both Western and Eastern countries.

Time for lab-grown fish balls instead of burgers?
Lab-grown meat could offer sustainable and slaughter-free alternatives to meet India’s food requirements. : Flickr: Ivan Radic CC BY 2.0

Lab-grown meat isn’t only being produced in the US. The fledgling industry in India faces both unique opportunities and challenges.

Can lab-grown meat satisfy India’s growing food needs?
Will lab-grown meat have a smaller environmental footprint than conventional meat? : Unsplash: Garrett Butler Unsplash licence

Assessments of the environmental sustainability of lab-grown meat have led to some mixed conclusions.

Is lab-grown meat better for the environment?
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Authors
Suzannah Lyons
Senior Commissioning Editor, 360info