Lab grown meat is expected to be available on Irish menus by 2026, according to industry insiders. Mosa Meat Vice President, Robert Jones, claims that meat produced through cellular agriculture is real meat, with the same taste, texture, and aroma as conventionally farmed beef. Additionally, he states that lab grown meat is a more cost-effective solution to feeding the population compared to traditional farming methods.
The process involves isolating muscle and fat tissues from animal cells and growing them in a lab, rather than raising and slaughtering entire animals. Jones believes that this method has the potential to be much more efficient, as cows convert just one calorie of meat for every 13 calories of feed. With the world population projected to reach over 10 billion people by the end of the century, lab grown meat offers a sustainable alternative for those who enjoy beef.
Jones predicts that lab grown meat will soon be available in supermarkets across Ireland, as there is already a pending application for its sale in Britain. The product has already been approved for sale in the United States, and more approvals are expected globally. Jones estimates that lab grown meat will appear on menus in the UK, Ireland, and Europe within the next two to three years, and shortly after, it will be available for purchase in grocery stores.
However, before it can be sold to consumers in Ireland, lab grown meat must receive approval from the European Food Safety Authority. The growing interest in this innovation signals a potential shift in the way meat is produced and consumed, offering a more sustainable and efficient solution for future generations.