In vitro meat, also known as
laboratory-grown meat, is
animal flesh that has never been part of a complete, living animal. As of May
2003, some
scientists are
experimentally growing in vitro meat in
laboratories, but no meat has been produced yet for public consumption. Potentially, any
animal could be a source of
cells for in vitro meat, even
humans.
Definition
In vitro meat should not be confused with imitation meat, which is a vegetarian food product produced from vegetable—usually soy—protein. The terms synthetic meat and artificial meat are ambiguous, as they may refer to either.
Arguments in favor
In vitro meat may appeal to
animal rights and
animal welfare advocates and others concerned about
animal well-being. It does not directly involve animals except for the initial removal of
cells.
In vitro meat may be cleaner and less prone to
disease than animals, provided that donor cells are not contaminated.
On long
space voyages or stays, in vitro meat could be grown alongside
hydroponic vegetables.
Arguments against
At least initially, many people will likely prefer
meat grown in a
natural rather than an
artificial[?] environment.
Luddites and
environmentalists may not want any
scientific or
technological interference with
nature, especially interference with
food. On the other hand, many opponents may prefer the consumption of in vitro meat
by others to the slaughter of live animals.
People may be concerned that in vitro meat is of lesser
quality or
taste than traditional meat, and that there are unresolved
health risks. However, like any
food product, in vitro meat would be required to pass through many
safety and
health trials before it could be sold.
If in vitro meat is different in
appearance,
taste,
smell,
texture[?] and other factors, this may reduce its appeal.
Economic and environmental impact
It is unknown whether in vitro meat is economically and environmentally competitive with traditional meat or vegetables. For in vitro meat, costs only apply to the meat production, whereas for traditional meat, costs include animal raising and environmental protection.
Fiction
Related topics
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