Lab-Grown Chicken May Be Coming to a Store Near You—Here’s What You Need to Know
Lab-Grown Chicken May Be Coming to a Store Near You—Here’s What You Need to Know
What Is Lab-Grown Meat?
Lab-grown meat, also known as cultivated or cultured meat, is a type of meat that is produced through cell culture technology. This means that the cells of animals are grown in a controlled environment, such as a laboratory, to produce meat products. The process involves extracting cells from an animal, such as a chicken, and then using those cells to grow meat tissue in a controlled environment.
Is It Safe to Eat?
In November 2022, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) gave its approval to Upside Foods, a company that produces lab-grown poultry, marking a significant milestone in the development of lab-grown meat. The FDA evaluated the information submitted by Upside Foods and found no further questions or concerns regarding the safety of the product.
However, from a chronic disease and health perspective, the verdict is not so clear. Like any other meat, lab-grown chicken may come with potential hazards, such as increasing inflammatory markers and being associated with an increase in cancer risk and/or tumor growth.
Lab-Grown Chicken vs. Farmed Chicken
Lab-grown chicken is expected to have a similar texture and taste to farmed chicken, making it a viable alternative for consumers. However, it may have more protein than traditionally grown chicken due to the controlled environment in which it is grown.
The Pros of Lab-Grown Meat
Experts see numerous benefits with lab-grown chicken, including:
- Cleaner growing environment: With lab-grown chicken, the environment can be controlled to ensure it is clean and sterile, eliminating the risk of bacterial contamination and foodborne illnesses.
- Less impact on the environment: Lab-grown meat is expected to reduce agricultural land use, water consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions, making it a more sustainable option.
- Quicker production times: Lab-grown meat can be cultured in a matter of weeks, compared to the years it takes to raise animals for traditional meat production.
- Fewer animals being slaughtered: Lab-grown meat does not require the slaughter of animals, which could potentially save the lives of billions of animals.
The Cons
While lab-grown chicken offers many benefits, there are also some drawbacks to consider, including:
- Lack of availability: Lab-grown chicken is not yet widely available and may take some time to become mainstream.
- Price: Lab-grown meat products are currently more expensive than traditional products, although the price is expected to decrease as technology advances.
So Should You Eat Lab-Grown Chicken?
Yes, lab-grown chicken is a viable alternative to traditional meat products. It offers a cleaner growing environment, less impact on the environment, quicker production times, and fewer animals being slaughtered. While it may not be perfect, lab-grown chicken is a step in the right direction towards a more sustainable and humane food system.
Conclusion
Lab-grown chicken is a game-changer in the world of meat production. With its cleaner growing environment, reduced environmental impact, and quicker production times, it is an attractive alternative to traditional meat products. While there are some drawbacks to consider, the benefits of lab-grown chicken make it a viable option for consumers who are looking for a more sustainable and humane food system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is lab-grown chicken vegan?
No, lab-grown chicken is not vegan because it is derived from the cells of animals. Additionally, some of the mediums used to grow lab-grown meat come from animals.
Is lab-grown chicken real chicken?
To a point, lab-grown chicken is real chicken. It is made from cells from a chicken that have been reproduced at the cellular level to make more chicken cells.
How do you know if you’re eating lab-grown meat?
When lab-grown meat lands in grocery stores, which is anybody’s guess when that will happen, the USDA will require that Upside Foods and Good Meat label their products “cell-cultivated chicken.”
