Gelisim News

It takes 30 years for cultured meat to be on the market shelves!

We have been hearing about the studies on cultured meat production frequently in recent years. Although it is not produced industrially today, some food companies have started activities in pilot-scale facilities. Asst. Prof. Dr. Murat Doğan stated it will take 30 years for cultured meat to take its place on the market shelves.

It is often said that as the cultured meat market expands, behaviors will radically change and production and consumption will take on a new dimension. Asst. Prof. Dr. Murat Doğan, a faculty member at Istanbul Gelisim University (IGU), Faculty of Fine Arts, Department of Gastronomy and Culinary Arts, stated due to the nature of the more efficient production process, cultured meat has more advantages than traditional animal husbandry. He also added that the ecosystem will be protected by using less soil and water.

WHAT IS CULTURED MEAT?

Real animal tissue cells from the real animal are multiplied to create cultured meat. The requirement to raise animals for their flesh is abolished by this new production technique. For instance, since cells with tissues that resemble or are structurally comparable to those of beef are used, the palate-friendly flavor and nutritional components are replicated. Food businesses in developed nations have now invested over 450 million dollars in the creation of cultured meat. The cultured meat industry, which is supposed to alter everyone's habits in the future, appears to be receiving additional funding.

VEGANS CANNOT EAT CULTURED MEAT

The production of cultured meat begins with the taking of stem cells from the animal concerned and storing them under appropriate conditions. These cells are then grown with high volumes and volumes of bioreactors. Hereupon, Dr. Doğan stated the following: ''As cultured meat is no different from real meat in a cellular sense, it cannot be consumed by vegans. From a health point of view, it will not cause a problem as it is not different from real meat. I also think that cultured meat will contribute to the reduction of deforestation caused by excessive agricultural activities and animal-related epidemics.’’

PRODUCTION STARTED IN PILOT-SCALE FACILITIES

A number of complex challenges need to be resolved, such as planning large facilities for cultured meat production and cost. In some developed countries- Singapore for instance- regulations have been made for cultured meat.  Asst. Prof. Dr. Murat Doğan also indicated: “Some food companies started production in pilot-scale facilities. I estimate that it will take 10-15 years for the development of cultured meat activities. Furthermore, it will take another 15 years to produce at an affordable price. In short, my guess is that it would take 30 years for cultured meat to be on the market shelves. Of course, I say this by ignoring the consumer acceptance part. In order to solve all these difficulties, governments and the private sector need to invest money in this work, encourage scientists related to this issue and open new research centers.’’