Lab-grown chicken approved for sale in US | GMA

Summary

The USDA has given the green light to the sale of lab-grown chicken, marking a first in the U.S. This cell-cultivated meat, produced by companies like California-based Upside Foods, is grown from real animal cells in bioreactors, promising a more sustainable and potentially healthier alternative to traditional farming. With the potential to significantly reduce land and water usage, as well as greenhouse gas emissions, this technology could revolutionize meat production. The texture and taste, while slightly different, are close to conventional chicken, and it's expected to appear on restaurant menus soon, with wider availability in the coming years.

Takeaways

• 🐔 **Lab-Grown Chicken Approval**: The USDA has approved the sale of lab-grown chicken in the U.S., marking a significant step in the commercialization of cell-cultured meat.
• 🌱 **Environmental Benefits**: Cultivated meat production is suggested to be more environmentally friendly, potentially using less land and water compared to traditional animal farming.
• 🔬 **Scientific Process**: The meat is grown from real animal cells in large bioreactors, which are fed with nutrients to facilitate growth.
• 📈 **Production Efficiency**: Cultivated meat can be produced more quickly and in larger quantities within a controlled facility, compared to traditional farming methods.
• 🥢 **Taste and Texture**: The reporter's experience suggests that lab-grown chicken has a taste similar to conventional chicken but with a slightly different texture, described as 'rubbery'.
• 🏢 **Commercialization**: Upside Foods, a California-based company, is leading the way as the first and largest cultivated meat producer in the nation.
• 📅 **Timeline for Market Entry**: The company aims to have lab-grown chicken on restaurant menus within weeks and in stores within five years.
• 🌐 **Global Impact**: The technology could help feed the growing global population with a more sustainable approach to meat production.
• 🔍 **Further Research**: Despite the positive outlook, experts emphasize the need for more research to fully understand the implications of consuming lab-grown meat.
• 🍽️ **Public Reception**: There is a mix of curiosity and skepticism about lab-grown meat, with some expressing interest in trying it while others are deterred by the texture description.

Q & A

What is the significance of the USDA approving cell-cultured meat for sale?

The USDA approving cell-cultured meat for sale is significant as it marks the first time such a product is allowed to be sold to the public, potentially leading to a new era in the meat industry with implications for the environment, animal welfare, and food production.

How is cell-cultured meat produced?

Cell-cultured meat is produced by taking a few cells from a chicken or an egg and growing them in large bioreactors fed with nutrients. This process allows for the creation of meat without raising animals on farms.

What are the environmental benefits of cell-cultured meat mentioned in the script?

The script suggests that cell-cultured meat could help feed the world's growing population using a fraction of the land and water required for traditional animal farming, and it could also help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

How does the taste and texture of cell-cultured chicken compare to traditionally farmed chicken?

According to Devin Dwyer's experience, the cell-cultured chicken tasted like chicken but had a slightly different texture, which was described as being a bit rubbery.

What is the potential timeline for cell-cultured chicken to appear on restaurant menus and store shelves?

The company, Upside Foods, hopes to have cell-cultured chicken on restaurant menus in the next few weeks and possibly on store shelves within the next five years.

How does the production process of cell-cultured meat compare to traditional farming in terms of efficiency?

The script implies that cell-cultured meat can be produced more quickly and with less environmental impact than traditional farming, as it can grow the equivalent of a large number of chickens in a much shorter time frame within a factory setting.

What is the current stance of experts regarding the introduction of cell-cultured meat?

While the script does not provide specific expert opinions, it does mention that more study is needed, suggesting that there is ongoing debate and research into the implications of cell-cultured meat.

Are there any concerns raised in the script about the texture of cell-cultured chicken?

Yes, the script mentions that the texture of cell-cultured chicken was a bit different and rubbery, which could be a point of consideration for consumers.

What is the role of startups in the cell-cultured meat industry according to the script?

The script indicates that dozens of startup companies are getting involved in the cell-cultured meat industry, suggesting a growing interest and investment in this sector.

How does the script address the issue of animal cruelty in relation to cell-cultured meat?

The script briefly touches on the reduction in animal cruelty as a potential benefit of cell-cultured meat, as it does not involve raising and slaughtering animals.

What is the public's initial reaction to the idea of cell-cultured meat as depicted in the script?

The script shows a mixed reaction, with some expressing interest in trying cell-cultured meat due to the reduction in animal cruelty, while others express skepticism based on the described texture.