Dutch turn World War II idea into first cultivated meat lab, do away with slaughter

Ever heard of lab-grown meat? It is animal flesh produced by cultivating animal cells in a lab, rather than killing animals. It is also called 'cultivated meat' and, nutritionally, is real meat, though not from any animal. Recently, the world witnessed the launch of the first-ever cultivated meat farm in the world. Located in the province of Schipluiden in South Holland, the meat is grown in specialised tanks supplied with proper temperature, nutrients, and adequate oxygen.

A small sample of animal cells is required to create the lab-grown meat. The laboratory located on a regular farm aims to study the viability of cultivated meat and the effectiveness of the technology ahead of large-scale commercial production.

A father’s dream
It was Dutch scientist Willem van Eelen who proposed cultivating meat from animal cells without slaughtering animals after the Second World War. Although he had acquired the patent for this technology, van Eelan couldn’t fulfil his dream due to the exorbitant production costs. Now, his daughter Ira van Eelan, in association with an organisation called RespectFarms, has successfully put his idea into practice.

This farm is located on 'Hoevre Vrij en Blij,' a farm owned by noted dairy farmer Corne van Leeuwen, who made headlines by installing the Netherlands ’ first 'milk robot'. Van Leeuwen has agreed to attach the cultivated meat lab to his traditional farm, where he raises livestock and produces cheese as an additional source of income.

Nutritional benefits
According to the National Institutes of Health, cultivated meats have the following benefits as compared to conventional meat:
a) Producers can limit saturated fats to lower the risk of cardiac diseases
b) It can be enriched with Omega-3 fatty acids found in flaxseeds, walnuts
c) They contain all nine essential amino acids
d) They are also fortified with nutrients like iron, zinc and vitamin B12.
e) They can also be antibiotic-free and won't have any growth hormones.

Not to be sold in Europe
The laboratory is primarily a pilot site to test the concept rather than for selling the meat commercially. Cultivated meat is not yet authorised for sale as a food item in the European Union. However, the Netherlands is the first European country to permit controlled taste tests for the lab-grown meat. Besides, the South Holland province has invested 5,00,000 euros in data collection, research, and the establishment of an experience centre to impart knowledge about the project to the public. Meanwhile, the province is collaborating with EIT Food for securing more European funding for the project.

Where to try them
Singapore is the first country to legalise it. It is available in Huber's Butchery in Dempsey Hill. The 'GOOD Meat 3,' a shredded chicken product sold here, is apparently made with 3% cultivated chicken and other plant-based ingredients. Lab-grown meat is also available in the United States and Australia.
(With inputs from Onmanorama Staff)