Student Article
Diners Enjoy World’s First Restaurant Meal Made From Lab-Grown Meat
Bioreactor (noun): A device that provides a suitable environment for biological reactions, such as cell growth.
Sustainability (noun): The ability to maintain processes without depleting resources or harming the environment.
Food security (noun): The state of having reliable access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food.
Greenhouse gas emissions (noun): Release of gases like CO₂ that trap heat in the atmosphere.
Cultured meat (noun): Meat produced by cultivating animal cells in a controlled environment.
Revolutionizing the food industry, lab-grown meat makes its restaurant debut.
How lab-grown meat is made
In a groundbreaking event, Singapore's 1880 restaurant served the world's first cultured chicken meal in December 2020. Developed by U.S.-based company Eat Just, the product, branded as GOOD Meat, was cultivated from chicken cells in bioreactors, eliminating the need for traditional animal farming.
Singapore says it's safe — and tasty
The Singapore Food Agency's approval marked a significant milestone in food technology, allowing the commercial sale of lab-grown meat. Diners experienced a curated menu featuring dishes like bao buns and waffles, all incorporating the cultured chicken.
Why this could help the planet
This innovation addresses critical issues such as environmental sustainability, animal welfare, and food security. Traditional livestock farming contributes approximately 15% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Cultured meat offers a viable alternative, potentially reducing the ecological footprint of meat production.
While challenges remain in scaling production and reducing costs, the successful introduction of lab-grown meat into the restaurant scene signifies a promising shift toward sustainable consumption.
© Daniel Bennett / Our Media
Bioreactor (noun): A device that provides a suitable environment for biological reactions, such as cell growth.
Sustainability (noun): The ability to maintain processes without depleting resources or harming the environment.
Food security (noun): The state of having reliable access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food.
Greenhouse gas emissions (noun): Release of gases like CO₂ that trap heat in the atmosphere.
Cultured meat (noun): Meat produced by cultivating animal cells in a controlled environment.