What Is Cultured Meat? Here’s What You Need To Know

Cultured meat, also known as lab-grown or cell-based meat, is a product made using cells extracted from animals without the need for traditional farming methods. The process involves taking a sample of cells from a living animal, placing them in a nutrient-rich medium in a bioreactor, and allowing them to grow into muscle tissue. While some producers claim their products are more environmentally friendly and cruelty-free than traditional meat, concerns remain regarding the use of fetal bovine serum (FBS) and the treatment of animals in the process.

The safety and nutritional qualities of cultured meat are still being researched. Regulatory bodies like the FDA and USDA have begun to assess and approve cell-based meat products, suggesting they are comparable in safety to traditional animal flesh. With over 150 companies in at least 30 countries working on cultured meat, the industry aims to offer a sustainable, ethical, and potentially healthier alternative to conventional meat production.