EU DECODED: Could lab-grown meat arrive in supermarkets soon?

In this episode we talk about new ways of manufacturing mankind’s primary source of protein: meat. The Netherlands, Spain and Germany lead the way in development of cell-based meat, but it has already been banned in Italy. So how urgently does the EU need to address common rules on the product?

For meat to be grown in laboratories, cells are collected from living animals and multiplied in bioreactors. The resulting matter is then enhanced with fibre and other elements to add texture and nutrition. Since artificial meat is boneless and skinless, its use is mainly foreseen for burgers, nuggets, and sausages.

Although around 40% of research in this area is carried out by private entities in Europe, there are still no common rules defined by the European Commission, within the scope of the Novel Foods Regulation, for marketing in the Union.

“If a company wants to file an application and ask for marketing authorization of a novel food, in this case cell-based meat, it files an application and the European Food Safety Agency (EFSA) gives a scientific opinion,” said Euronews’ Gerardo Fortuna.

In general the European Commission, which would have the final say on whether or not to approve it, follows the scientific opinion of EFSA, according to Fortuna.

Italy was the first EU country to ban the new food, but almost half of the EU has expressed concern about its potential impact on farmers, including France, Greece and Romania.

A letter signed by 12 Member States was sent to the European Commission this year, requesting a public debate and a socioeconomic impact assessment.

A question of traditions and ethics?

Those concerned about artificial meat are worried that it might displace traditional livestock farming, that the manufacturing process is energy intensive and uses a lot of water.

Those in favour cite the welfare of animals and the benefits of cutting down on livestock farming, including fewer carbon emissions.

We asked some people on the streets of Rome and Berlin what they think of this new food.

“I think it makes sense for certain groups who want the taste and texture of meat but don’t want to kill animals,” said one Berlin resident. “I am against processed and ultra-processed foods. I don’t know if synthetic meat is considered a processed food, but I think so,” a Roman added.

But this innovation doesn’t just raise economic questions, it’s also a question of ethics, argued Céline Imart, a centre-right French politician who is a member of the European Parliament’s Agriculture and Rural Development Committee.

“I think it’s really important to shed light and start debate and dialogue with elements that are truly science-based. European citizens must know what they are getting into, what is at stake ethically, in terms of their relationship with humans and animals, if we commit to the production of artificial meat with bioreactors,” she told EU DECODED.

What about labelling? Does it make a difference if you call it synthetic meat, lab-grown meat or slaughter-free meat? Experts say yes. But big question remains: would you actually want to eat it?

Find out more details in the video!

Journalist: Isabel Marques da Silva