The world’s first test tube beef burger has been made at Maastricht University in the Netherlands. Professor Mark Post will be presenting the burger next month at a live demonstration in London. It will serve as the foundation for his concept that lab-grown meat could become a sustainable alternative to factory farming, by cutting billions of tonnes of greenhouse gases.
The burger is being created using thousands of artificial meat fibres which have been grown from stem cells. Some people would argue that the meat is suitable for vegetarians since its production does not involve the slaughter of animals.
However, this development may not necessarily result in the end of vegetarianism as we know it. Plant-based nutritionist Sharon Palmer comments: “After a number of years, vegetarians do not like the taste, smell, and appearance of [meat]. They begin to find it disgusting! They love clean, plant-based foods that are free of any animal flesh.” She also argues that most vegetarians prefer healthier plant-based alternatives to meat, such as soya, beans, lentils, seeds and grains.
Those considering making the new test tube meat part of their diet should also be aware that each burger currently costs around £220,000 to produce, although industrialising the laborious process will dramatically reduce that price.
London awaits the grand unveiling next month…
