The Future of Lab-Grown Meat

By Kana McNiff

Studies estimate that the average American consumes around 224.6 pounds of meat per year. The process of raising enough animals to sustain the amount of meat we eat is land, water, and energy extensive. This is why scientists have worked to create meat that doesn’t need as many resources. Lab-grown meat, or cultured meat is produced through the cultivation of animal cells into tissue or muscle growth that we can actually eat. 

Here’s how it’s made in simple terms: First, a small amount of animal cells (usually muscle cells) are taken from a live animal and cultivated in a “nutrient-rich environment” called bioreactors. These bioreactors provide conditions similar to what would be found in an animal’s body for the cells to be able to multiply and grow. As the cells grow, Scientists implement scaffolds, which allow the cells to be structured in a desirable shape. When the tissue has matured, the meat will be “harvested” and be ready to use. 

Lab grown meat has huge potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional livestock farming, it uses less land and water, is more humane, and offers a potential solution to food borne illnesses associated with traditional meat production. While these are all great selling points for lab grown meat, it has its shortcomings. For one, it doesn’t have a great image. Consumer concerns about its quality and safety, as well as the perception that lab-grown meat is “unnatural” shapes public opinion. Secondly, because of how new this technology is, it’s expensive and not accessible to the public. This slows public acceptance of lab-grown meat. Lastly, we don’t know what the long-term effects of this technology is on health, economy, and the environment. This only raises skepticism and negative public image. 

Although this technology is only in its infancy, hopefully scientists will be able to successfully develop it in a manner that allows us to overcome the hurdles they are facing. Maybe sometime in the near future, you will be able to buy lab-grown meat at the grocery store.