First taste of the ‘test tube’ burger

THE world’s first test-tube burger will be served up next week – but instead of traditional minced beef, it’s made from a cow’s stem cells.

The burger is created from ‘meat’ grown in a laboratory, rather than cattle raised in pastures.

And its developers hope it will show how the soaring global demand for protein can be met without the need for vast herds of cattle.

The 5oz ‘Frankenburger’, which cost around €300,000 to produce, is made from 3,000 tiny strips of meat grown from the stem cells of a cow.

The raw meat is said to be grey with a slippery texture similar to squid or scallop.

It has been created by Professor Mark Post, from the University of Maastricht in Holland. His research has been funded by an anonymous businessman – who may be the first to try the burger in London next week.

Professor Post hopes his work will lead to methods that increase meat manufacture and cut costs as well as reducing greenhouse gases.

Ben Williamson, of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, said: ‘Anything that reduces the suffering of animals would be welcome.’