Test tube chicken meat unveiled

THE world’s first test-tube chicken meat has been unveiled by scientists, who hope to start supplying supermarkets within four years.

Memphis Meats founders Dr Uma Valeti and Dr Nicholas Genovese allowed food experts to sample their southern fried chicken recipe at an event in San Francisco recently.

Although other companies have created beef, it is the first time scientists have grown poultry meat from stem cells. They also created duck meat.

It marks a huge step forward for the “clean meat” movement, which aims to end the cruelty and environmental impact of battery farming.

“It is thrilling to introduce the first chicken and duck that didn’t require raising animals. This is a historic moment for the clean meat movement,” said Dr Valeti.

“Chicken and duck are at the centre of the table in so many cultures, but the way conventional poultry is raised creates problems.

“We aim to produce meat that is delicious, affordable and sustainable. We believe this is a significant technological leap for humanity, and an incredible business opportunity to transform a global industry.”

The scientists believe cultured meat will eventually replace raising animals and that future generations will deem eating animals unthinkable.

To grow meat in a lab, the scientists isolate chicken and duck stem cells that have the ability to regenerate, before culturing them in a nutrient soup of sugars and minerals. These cells develop into skeletal muscle that can be harvested in just a few weeks. — The Daily Telegraph