Lab to table: would you eat 3D printed meat?
Rehovot / Israel
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Rehovot / Israel 〰️
Image: Unsplash
TL;DR: Steakholder Foods' groundbreaking 3D printed, plant-based meats have cleared a significant hurdle for market entry in the UAE.
So what? This innovation brings new, sustainable food options to the table and paves the way for a futuristic approach to food production and consumption globally.
3D printed meat and fish company Steakholder Foods has announced another milestone on its journey to redefine the food industry through sustainable food production.
Through its partnership with French multinational food safety and quality assurance laboratory Mérieux NutriSciences, Steakholder has received a green light indicating that their plant-based, 3D printed whitefish and steak are safe for consumers in the United Arab Emirates.
The news isn't just a win for Steakholder; it's a testament to the UAE, known for its ambitious vision in food security, and role as a global leader in embracing, and fostering food technology innovations.
Who are Stakeholder Foods?
Founded in 2019, Steakholder Foods is at the forefront of a major shift towards ethical, sustainable food production. Beyond creating meat alternatives, Steakholder is attempting to redefine the culinary experience, promising products that closely mimic the taste, texture, and appearance of traditional meats without the environmental and ethical costs.
Listed on the Nasdaq under the ticker "STKH," and headquartered in Rehovot, Israel, Steakholder’s commitment extends beyond the marketplace. They are members of the UN Global Compact and pledge to support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which include efforts to strengthen food security, reduce carbon footprints, and conserve essential resources like water and land.
According to the United Nations, “meat and dairy provide just 18% of calories consumed, but use 83% of global farmland and are responsible for 60% of agriculture’s greenhouse gas emissions.”
Image: Unsplash
What makes Steakholder Foods' meat different?
Steakholder’s 3D printed plant-based meats are a departure from traditional methods, retaining the natural structure of the materials that are used to create them. This approach could streamline the regulatory approval process, because the products are unlikely to be classified as 'novel foods.'
Imagine a future where your steak or fish fillet is sustainable and plant-based, and comes from a printer—not a farm or the sea. This is the future Steakholder envisions and is working to bring to life.
Why is it important 3D printed meat isn’t a ‘novel food’?
The distinction between ‘novel foods’ and non-novel foods is important for consumers looking for an alternative to industrially farmed meat and fish. The report from Mérieux may suggest a more straightforward, conventional approval process for the 3D printed edible products, which could speed up their introduction to the market—and to your plate.
Steakholder’s 3D printers creating a steak in the lab.
Lab to table—speed to market for 3D printed meat
Arik Kaufman, CEO of Steakholder, expressed optimism following the report, saying that while their future cultivated and hybrid products might be categorised as novel foods, their initial plant-based, 3D printed products are expected to gain regulatory approval more quickly.
The company's plan is to liaise with UAE regulatory authorities in tandem with the development of their first-of-its-kind production facility in the Persian Gulf region, “with a view to commercialising our first products while expanding regulatory approval and commercialisation across the globe."
While the future looks bright for Steakholder , it's important to remember that the road ahead is filled with both opportunities and challenges. The company's ambitious plans for cultured meat manufacturing and 3D meat production technology are still in their infancy, and will require significant development and refinement. But, with their innovative spirit and commitment to sustainable food solutions, Steakholder is a name to watch in the burgeoning field of food technology.
Disclaimer: This article contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. The actual results, performance or achievements of Steakholder Foods may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements.
