In a groundbreaking move, the UK has become the first European country to approve lab-grown meat for pet food. Meatly, a pioneering startup, received regulatory clearance to sell its cultivated chicken product. This milestone could revolutionize the pet food industry and substantially tackle the environmental impact associated with traditional pet food production, comparable to that of entire nations.
The environmental impact of conventional pet food is considerable, alone, it can be equated to the total carbon footprint of the Philippines (who ranks 36th in carbon emissions globally) Meatly’s cultivated chicken aims to mitigate these concerns by using 64% less land and 28% less water than traditional meat production. Plus, this high-tech chicken doesn’t need antibiotics or GMOs, making it a cleaner, greener choice. Such reductions in emissions and resource consumption could greatly alleviate the environmental challenges posed by meat production.
The company plans to launch samples this year, with full-scale production expected within three years. This development not only offers a sustainable alternative for pet owners but also signals potential future applications for human consumption, potentially reducing the environmental impact of meat production globally.
The science behind the ‘chicken’
Meatly’s lab-grown chicken is hatched through a state-of-the-art scientific process. Cells are extracted from a chicken egg and nurtured in a bioreactor with essential nutrients. This method ensures that the final product is free from harmful bacteria, heavy metals, and other contaminants.
One of Meatly’s standout innovations is its affordable, protein-free growth media, costing less than £1 per litre. This not only cuts production costs but also makes large-scale production feasible, positioning Meatly at the forefront of the cultivated meat industry.
Lab food for pets and owners
Meatly’s success in the pet food sector is a big step towards a more sustainable future. The Food Standards Agency and environmental advocates have endorsed this development, recognizing its potential for sustainable food solutions. While lab-grown meat for human consumption has yet to be approved in the UK, Meatly’s success in the pet food sector could pave the way for broader applications.
The potential of lab-grown meat extends well beyond pet food. As technology evolves, it promises to offer sustainable alternatives for human consumption. Reductions in carbon emissions, water usage, and land requirements could significantly mitigate the environmental impact of traditional meat production.
Countries like Singapore and the US have already approved lab-grown meat for human consumption, signaling a global shift towards sustainable meat alternatives.
