The Memo: Lab-grown meat approved in the UK: A sign of things to come?

With lab-grown meat an oft-discussed topic amidst the clamour for urgent climate action, the scientific development of animal cells for human consumption has long been touted as a potential saviour. By producing meat without any exploitation of an animal’s body, many suggest that this would constitute a necessary step in the reduction of carbon emissions and water usage, while also freeing up land and reviving nature. The theory remains that such foods grown in a lab can be pumped with the necessary proteins and other nutrients required for the human body, thus enhancing the health benefits of human meat consumption whilst helping take climate action. That’s without mentioning the greater moral standard achieved through the alleviation of animal suffering. 

Though with lab-grown meat requiring the utilisation of real animal cells at the initial stage, any products produced with them would still fail to be considered vegan or vegetarian due to its animal-derived source. Perhaps they might simply be a more sustainable alternative for carnivores and omnivores, but the scientific argument for its introduction appears sound. But, aside from the environmentally controlled conditions of the laboratory, major fears linger within the traditional farming industries of Europe’s agricultural heartlands. Already facing huge roadblocks over heightening costs, rising bureaucracy, and environmental restrictions, farmers worry that if lab-grown meat becomes mainstream, the industry could be killed off forever. In fact, to protect the farming industry and "respect its long-lasting traditions," Italy last year banned the lab-led cultivation of meat.  

The UK has now taken the first step for its implementation, making it the first European country to do so. Singapore and the US also allowed its production last year, but the Netherlands has permitted lab-grown meat tasting whilst strictly forbidding its cultivation. The Animal and Plant Health Agency issued approval to pet food company, Meatly, permitting the use of lab-developed chicken cells as an ingredient in their products. Even though the move will only facilitate its usage in dog food at this point, many are left wondering if this now paves the way for it to seep into British life more generally. 

It’s worth noting that several EU-derived laws – several of which related to food standards – were lost or at risk of being scrapped following Brexit, leaving many concerned about the future of food safety in the UK. As such, the Food Standards Agency has received a barrage of criticism for seeking to accelerate the approval of lab-grown meat in the UK. However, even though its widespread introduction still seems highly unlikely, there’s no doubt this remains significant progress for its exponents.