The need to assess cell-based meat holistically

Graphical Abstract

Cell-based meat has gained awareness as an alternative to traditional meat products. Cell-based meat, also referred to as in vitro meat and artificial meat, is derived from the culture of muscle stem cells within a biological scaffold. The resultant product partially meets the definition of meat but additional criteria require consideration (Boler and Woerner, 2017). Proponents of cell-based meat argue that a reduction in environmental impacts can be achieved while meeting the increased consumer demand for animal protein in the diet (Post, 2012). Public perception of lab-grown meat remains skeptical, however, with concerns that it is an unnatural product and likely inferior to traditional meat (Laestadius and Caldwell, 2015). In this issue, Faustman et al (2020) provide a historical overview to the topic replete with challenges and opportunities. Bryant (2020) extends the discussion by examining the societal concerns and implications that underlie acceptance of cultured meat. These two papers provide new insight into the emerging science of cell-based meat.