Lab-Grown Cultured Meat

Why in news?

Recently, an Australian startup unveiledlab-grown cultured meat using the genetic sequence from the long-extinct woolly mammoth.

What is cultured meat?

• Cultured meat also called cell-based meat or cultivated meat is genuine animal meat (including seafood and organ meats) that is produced by cultivating animal cells directly.
• The livestock does not need to be killed in order to produce it.
• It uses animal DNA to recreate in a lab the taste and texture of meat.

Singapore is the only country to have approved cell-based meat for consumption.

How a lab grown meat is made?

• Harvesting stem cells–Stem cells are harvested through biopsy from fresh piece of meat.
• Isolation -Isolate different types of cells (for instance muscle and fat cells).
• Growth -The cells are put in bioreactor that uses the principals of cell cultivation and tissue engineering for growth and reproduction.
• Differentiation - The cells are distributed onto “moulds” (scaffolds) to stimulate them to differentiate into connective tissues, muscles and fats giving the final product.

What are the impacts of meat industry?

• Produces carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide.
• Inhumane treatment to animals.
• Usage of toxic pesticides to grow animal food.
• Prone to diseases.
• Deforestation and reducing agricultural lands.
• Consumption of more water.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) roughly 14.5% of global emissions of greenhouse gases are attributable to livestock farming

What is the significance of cultured meat?

• Reduce environmental impact-It could vastly reduce the environmental impact of global meat production in the future.
• Reduce emissions-Emissions from conventional animal agriculture could be reduced.
• Uses less water-It uses much less land and water than livestock.
• Renewable energy-It can run on energy produced purely from renewable sources.
• Prevent animal slaughter–Cultivated meat helps save animal slaughter.
• Food accessibility–Provides food accessibility to the population living in under-developed and strife-torn areas.
• High in nutrients- Lab-grown meat is high in protein, vitamins, and minerals and can be lower in fat and cholesterol than conventional animal meat.

References

1. The Indian │ Express Cultured Meat
2. Swiss Info │ Cultured Meat Process