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The first test tube cutlet was cooked and eaten
Last reviewed: 01.07.2025
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The world's first lab-synthesized cutlet was presented at a scientific press conference. Scientists from the Netherlands have finally introduced a new product to Europe, the development of which cost them over £200 million. The head of the research group is confident that the use of successful technology will soon be able to solve the problem of food shortages in underdeveloped countries.
Experts from Maastricht (the Kingdom of the Netherlands) believe that industrial livestock farming, the purpose of which is to provide the population with meat products, is not coping with the tasks, as demand is constantly growing. New technologies will help to satisfy the demands of meat consumers around the world.
Of course, such an experiment could not help but have its fair share of critics, whose main argument is that it is precisely the reduction in meat consumption that could solve the problem of food shortages.
At present, many research institutes are studying the possibility of obtaining human tissues. The main goal of such research is transplantology, the development of which can revolutionize medicine. Scientists from the Netherlands have used a similar method of growing living organism cells. Scientists have applied already known technologies to produce muscle mass and fats of animal origin.
The process of creating animal cells looks something like this: cells are extracted from the animal's muscle tissue, which are then developed and multiplied in laboratory conditions. After three to four weeks, under the influence of nutrients, the number of stem cells increases significantly. The stem cells then grow together and form small pieces of muscle tissue that are practically indistinguishable from regular beef. From the finished pieces of muscle tissue, scientists formed briquettes, which were either frozen or cooked.
The resulting product, unlike beef, has a pale pink color, which scientists are trying to make more saturated with myoglobin. The specialists working on the product are sure that the project cannot be considered successful unless the maximum possible similarity to real meat is achieved. If the color and taste are not similar to fresh beef, the product will not be in due demand, since consumers are primarily interested not in nutritional value, but in a full-fledged meat substitute. The cutlet shown at the conference was colored with a natural dye (beetroot juice), since the idea of processing meat with myoglobin is in development. Also, for a more appetizing appearance, crackers and proper serving were used. In addition to artificially created muscle tissue, the cutlet included spices, salt and black pepper.
Opponents of this development believe that the production of artificial meat will not solve the world's problems associated with food shortages. Critics are sure that in order to prevent food shortages in underdeveloped countries, it is necessary to review the supply system, and not increase food production.