Britain Approves Sale of Lab-Grown Meat for Pet Food

Britain has recently approved the sale of lab-grown meat for pet food, marking a significant milestone as the first European nation to endorse this innovative process. This decision has stirred controversy in other countries but presents a promising opportunity for entrepreneurs, especially following Britain’s departure from the tightly regulated European Union.

Boost for Biotech Industry

The approval of lab-grown meat for pet food is seen as a triumph for the biotech industry, aligning with the British government’s ambition to establish itself as a powerhouse in this sector. This landmark approval was granted to Meatly, a British company specializing in growing meat from chicken cells specifically for pet consumption.

Market Trends and Sustainability

Meatly’s lab-grown meat product, set to commence feeding trials in August, comes at a time when the global pet food market is projected to expand by 5 percent this year, reaching $151 billion, according to Statista. Not only does lab-grown meat offer a sustainable alternative, but it also promotes animal welfare, as stated by Owen Ensor, the CEO of Meatly.

“It allows you to still feed the meat that your pets crave and that you want to feed your pet — while providing all the nutrients that your pet needs,” said Mr. Ensor, who personally tested the product on his own cats, Lamu and Zanzi.

Regulatory Advantages in the UK

Britain’s progress in the field of lab-grown meat surpasses that of many European Union countries due to its independence from the EU’s stringent regulations and slow approval processes for technological advancements. Advocates of alternative proteins emphasize that the UK’s departure from the EU has facilitated a more efficient regulatory environment for innovative solutions.

“Europe is cutting itself off from innovation,” noted Linus Pardoe, the UK policy manager at the Good Food Institute Europe, an organization dedicated to advancing technological alternatives to traditional animal proteins. “The UK has a much more straightforward system now that we’ve left the European Union.”