Lab-grown chicken has officially entered the U.S. market, marking a revolutionary step in food technology.
As this innovative product makes its way from select restaurants to grocery stores, you’ll need to know how to spot it on the shelves.
Lab-Grown Chicken – What Is It?
Lab-grown chicken, also known as cell-cultivated or cultured chicken, is meat produced by growing animal cells in a controlled laboratory environment.
This process begins with harvesting cells from a living chicken and then nurturing these cells in large steel tanks called bioreactors. The cells are fed a nutrient-rich solution that helps them multiply and develop into muscle tissue, which is then harvested as meat.
Currently, two companies have received approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to produce and sell lab-grown chicken: Upside Foods and Good Meat. These pioneers in the field are paving the way for a new era in meat production.
When Will Lab-Grown Chicken Be Available in Grocery Stores?
While lab-grown chicken has made its debut in select high-end restaurants, it’s not yet available in grocery stores. The timeline for wider retail distribution is still uncertain and depends on several factors.
Currently, production capacity is limited – for example, Upside Foods’ facility can only produce up to 50,000 pounds of cultivated meat products per year. (ref) This is a tiny fraction compared to the 59 billion pounds of conventional chicken produced annually in the U.S.
Experts predict that it may take a few years before you’ll find lab-grown chicken in your local supermarket. However, as technology advances and production becomes more efficient, you can expect to see these products appearing on shelves sooner rather than later.
How Will Lab-Grown Chicken Be Labeled?
When lab-grown chicken does hit the shelves, you’ll need to know what to look for on the packaging. The USDA has established specific labeling requirements (ref) for cell-cultivated meat products:
- The term “cell-cultivated” must precede the product name (e.g., “Cell-Cultivated Chicken Breast”).
- Packages will bear the USDA inspection stamp, indicating that the product has met safety standards.
- These products will not be labeled as “vegetarian” or “vegan” since they contain animal cells.
These labeling requirements are designed to provide transparency and help you make informed choices about the food you purchase.
What to Look for on Packaging
When you’re scanning the shelves for lab-grown chicken, keep an eye out for these key elements on the packaging:
- Terms like “cell-cultivated,” “cell-cultured,” or “cultivated meat”
- Ingredient lists that may differ from conventional chicken products
- Nutritional information that could vary from traditional chicken
- Potential additional certifications or claims related to environmental impact or production methods
It’s worth noting that the nutritional profile of lab-grown chicken may be similar to conventional chicken, but there could be slight differences depending on the production process.
How to Distinguish Lab-Grown Chicken from Conventional Chicken
Aside from packaging, there may be other ways to differentiate lab-grown chicken from its conventional counterpart:
- Appearance and texture: Lab-grown chicken might look slightly different or have a somewhat different texture compared to conventional chicken.
- Price: Initially, lab-grown chicken is likely to be more expensive due to production costs.
- Store placement: Some retailers might choose to display these products in separate sections, similar to how plant-based meat alternatives are often grouped together.
Consumer Rights & Education
As lab-grown chicken enters the market, it’s crucial for consumers to stay informed and understand their rights.
Education is key to understanding this new food technology. Seek out reputable sources for information on cell-cultivated meat.
Stay updated on news from regulatory bodies like the USDA and FDA for the latest developments in safety assessments and regulations.
As a consumer, you have the power to ask questions. Don’t hesitate to inquire about the source and production methods of chicken products, whether at restaurants or grocery stores.
This not only helps you make informed choices but also signals to businesses that consumers value transparency in food sourcing.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.