Topline
The U.S. Department of Agriculture granted approval on Wednesday for the sale of lab-grown chicken, made from animal cells, to upscale restaurants in San Francisco and Washington, D.C. This comes as sustainable alternatives to traditional meat gain popularity.
GOOD Meat and Upside Foods, both California-based companies, have received final approval from the USDA, following the Food and Drug Administration’s confirmation of the safety of their products. …
AP/Jeff Chiu
Key Facts
GOOD Meat and Upside Foods, two California companies selling lab-grown meat, have obtained final approval from the USDA after receiving clearance from the FDA to market their products.
Instead of sourcing meat from slaughtered animals, lab-grown meat is produced using cells from living animals. While not vegan, vegetarian, or plant-based, these products offer a real meat experience without the need for animal slaughter.
The approval has been hailed as a “groundbreaking moment for cultivated meat” by GOOD Meat and brings Upside Foods one step closer to achieving their vision. Both companies plan to exclusively serve their lab-grown meat in select restaurants in San Francisco and Washington, D.C.
Although the approval is historic, it may take several years before cultivated chicken becomes available in grocery stores due to limited production capabilities. Upside’s facility can currently produce up to 50,000 pounds of lab-grown meat products per year, according to officials.
Bar Crenn in San Francisco will serve Upside’s lab-grown meat under an agreement, while GOOD Meat will partner with chef Jose Andrés to introduce their meat at his restaurant in Washington, D.C.
Key Background
Both companies have undergone a lengthy regulatory process in the United States and received FDA approval within the past two years. The USDA’s recent approval was the final step before these California-based companies could start serving their lab-grown chicken.
Tangent
In addition to reducing animal slaughter, advocates of lab-grown meat argue that it could help mitigate climate change. Industrial animal farming accounts for approximately 14.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions, according to the United Nations. Increased popularity of cultivated meat could also lead to reduced transportation-related carbon dioxide and methane emissions associated with traditional agriculture.
Big Number
50%. A recent poll conducted by the AP and the NORC Center for Public Affairs and Research revealed that half of U.S. adults are unlikely to try meat grown from animal cells. Common reasons cited were the perception of it being strange and concerns about safety.
Surprising Fact
In 2020, Singapore became the first country to legally authorize the sale of lab-grown meat.
Further Reading
Singapore Becomes First Country To Approve Sale Of Lab-Grown Meat (Reuters)
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Jessica Irvine is a tech enthusiast specializing in gadgets. From smart home devices to cutting-edge electronics, Jessica explores the world of consumer tech, offering readers comprehensive reviews, hands-on experiences, and expert insights into the coolest and most innovative gadgets on the market.
