Cultivated Meat Approved for Sale in UK
Cultivated meat is produced when cells are taken from an animal and put in a bioreactor to replicate. Britain has become the first country in Europe to approve the sale of lab-grown meat, following the approval of cultivated pet food by UK regulatory agencies.
Meatly, a pet food start-up, has been cleared to produce and handle its cultivated chicken, with plans to launch commercially available pet food this year. After receiving approval from UK regulatory bodies in under two years of operation, Meatly is considered a significant milestone for the European cultivated meat industry.
Backed by £3.5 million in investment, Meatly passed rigorous inspections by the Food Standards Agency, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, and the Animal and Plant Health Agency. The company plans to scale production to reach industrial volumes within the next three years.
Cultured Meat and its Benefits
Cultivated meat, also known as cultured meat, is genuine animal meat produced by cultivating animal cells directly. This innovative process eliminates the need to raise farm animals for food. Stem cells from animals are grown in labs at high densities and volumes, fed nutrients, and supplemented with growth factors and proteins.
Meatly’s cultivated chicken is safe and healthy for pets, free from bacteria, viruses, GMOs, antibiotics, harmful pathogens, heavy metals, and impurities. The company aims to reduce emissions, resource consumption, and animal suffering caused by traditional meat production.
While cultivated meat for human consumption is yet to be approved in the UK, the United States has already allowed the sale of lab-grown meat products. The growing interest in alternative proteins is reflected in a survey showing that a third of UK consumers are willing to try cultured meat.
Future of Cultivated Meat in UK
Research by the Good Food Institute suggests that Britain needs to invest £390 million in alternative proteins between 2025 and 2030 to remain competitive globally. UK Research and Innovation has already invested around £43 million in research and development for plant-based, fermentation, and cultivated meat, seafood, eggs, and dairy since 2012.
Attitudes towards cultivated meat vary, with some concerns raised by UK farmers about the industrialization and authenticity of lab-grown meat. Despite differing opinions, the advancement of cultivated meat technology marks a significant step towards sustainable and ethical food production.
