In 2013, research by Prof. Mark Post at Maastricht University in the Netherlands led to the development of a synthetic hamburger that takes 8 to 9 weeks to grow in the laboratory. With the same technologies as two years ago and more resources, even a million products can be created, and maintain a pace worthy of a fast food chain.
This is meat "grown" in the laboratory starting from stem cells: the commercial prospect is incredible, because a product of this kind would suddenly break down all the ethical limits that lead a large segment of the population, for example vegetarians, to give up consumption of meat due to sensitivity towards animals. The cost in 2013, however, was quite high: €300.000 for a single hamburger. Two years later, the research team reports the progress achieved and is confident that a hamburger made from meat obtained in the laboratory can reach supermarket shelves (and restaurant kitchens) within 5 years, at a much more accessible price.
“I feel thrilled that this product may be on sale. I believe this alternative meat could find many buyers,” says researcher Peter Vestrate.
From the videos it seems tasty, but maybe I'll try it in a bit, ok? I don't have any change in my pocket today.