The UK recently reached a significant milestone in the field of cultured meat, gaining approval from the Animal and Plant Health Agency and the Department of the Environment for Meatly branded products. However, there is an important clarification: this approval only covers pet food.
Cultured meat, a step forward for the UK
While Singapore has introduced meat culture to the mainstream, the UK is positioning itself as a European pioneer in this area, paving the way for a lively and rich debate on meat culture. This change could represent a turning point for the European food industry, although for now limited to animal feed.
The question is: will it work?
The data suggest a positive answer. A study by the University of Winchester found that 50 percent of pet owners surveyed were willing to feed their animals cultured meat. Scientists see these results as a sign that products like the Meatly brand cultured chicken may offer a practical solution for those with moral reservations about meat from slaughtered animals.
Cultured meat, not man-made
It is important to clarify that the products in question belong to the category of cultured meat and not, as some detractors insist on calling it, synthetic meat. Cultured meat is produced in the laboratory from a sample of animal cells, eliminating the need for slaughter. Synthetic meat, if it exists, will be a completely different product, just like plastic.
The approval process and next steps
Meatly’s production plant has been inspected and approved by relevant government authorities, and the company plans to launch its first pet products by the end of the year. The next steps include reducing costs, which can be achieved by mixing chicken culture with vegetables, and increasing production to reach industrial volumes within the next three years.
The comparison with Italy
On the contrary, Italy seems to have sabotaged its own potential in a reactionary and short-sighted way, destroying a supply chain that could represent international excellence. It also prevented Made in Italy from emerging as a pioneer of innovation in meat culture.
Future implications
The UK, with the approval of cultured meat for pets, has taken an initial step in Europe, which has opened up new opportunities and challenges in the food sector. While Italy reflects on its options, the UK is looking to the future, ready to revolutionize the pet food market with innovative and sustainable solutions.
