In a significant development for the alternative meat industry, UPSIDE Foods, a lab-grown meat company supported by Bill Gates, has received the go-ahead from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to begin the commercial production and sale of its cultivated chicken products. This follows a prior nod of approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in November 2022 (Link Here).
Bill Gates, the Microsoft co-founder who has since turned his focus to philanthropy and climate change, expressed optimism about the future of lab-grown meat during a Reddit forum. Despite its current small market share, Gates believes that lab-grown meat will become a "very good" option for consumers, particularly in the context of addressing climate change.
The announcement from UPSIDE Foods comes at a time when the traditional poultry industry is facing significant challenges, with numerous farms shutting down, birds being culled due to avian flu, and reports of factory fires. The company's CEO, Dr. Uma Valeti, heralded the USDA's approval as a transformative moment for the meat industry, promising a sustainable future that doesn't compromise on choice or quality of life.
UPSIDE Foods is set to open a new 187,000-square-foot facility in Glenview, Illinois. The state's leadership, including Governor JB Pritzker and Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton, welcomed the company in a press release, citing its potential to create sustainable jobs and contribute to economic growth. The choice of Illinois for the facility was influenced by the state's pro-innovation stance, skilled workforce, and rich history in meat production.
The company's decision is seen as timely, potentially offering an alternative source of poultry products as the traditional market struggles with supply due to the culling of birds affected by the avian flu. However, skepticism remains among some consumers and industry observers, who are wary of the concept of "fake meat" and question the nature of its ingredients, as well as Bill Gates' involvement with the company.
For more information on animal cell-grown meat visit - https://upsidefoods.com/food
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