What’s PETA’s Position on ‘Lab-Grown’ Meat?

Is “lab-grown” meat vegan?

Let’s look at the facts. First, the term “lab-grown” is decreasing in popularity in favor of terms like “cultivated,” “cell-based,” or “clean meat,” depending on the brand. All of these phrases refer to meat grown from animal cells in a controlled environment. There’s no guarantee that these animal cells have been collected without slaughter, and consumers must hold companies accountable to make sure that their products aren’t replacing one cruel food system with another.

Next, when you consider that animals on today’s farms are confined, mutilated, and slaughtered, causing them immense pain and suffering, the development of cultivated meat can spare countless animals and has the potential to save billions more as it becomes more commercially available.

Plus, it’s environmentally friendly. It stops animals on farms from contributing to the climate catastrophe, air and water pollution, deforestation, and other forms of environmental destruction. It requires only 1% of the land and 4% of the water that’s currently used to raise and kill animals for food, and it may reduce greenhouse gas emissions by as much as 96%. Research also shows that the process requires between 7% and 45% less energy than taking the same amount of flesh from slaughtered animals.

So, Is Cultivated Meat Vegan?

Well, it does start with animal cells. But it’s a game-changer for animals, the planet, and food sustainability. Would a vegan eat cell-based meat? Some would continue to enjoy black bean burgers or other vegan foods, while others are ready to take a bite out of anything that doesn’t harm animals. It’s a personal choice.

Does PETA Approve of Cell-Based Meat?

Yes, PETA is in favor of cell-based meat! Why? Because it could end animal agriculture, sparing billions of animals from cruelty. We’ll support anything that leads us in that direction, on one condition. The companies offering the product must not test on mice, rats, or any other animals who can’t consent unless explicitly required by law. Eat Just and Wildtype are among the progressive companies that are developing cell-based meat without harming animals on a farm or in a laboratory.

The mere concept of cultured meat shows that more humans realize that it’s unethical and unsustainable to eat butchered animals.

When cultivated meat becomes more widely available, many of our problems, including some ethical and ecological ones, will be significantly reduced. But there’s no reason to wait. We can all enjoy tasty vegan foods right now! Check out some of PETA’s vegan recipes, and encourage everyone you know to take PETA’s 3-week vegan challenge!

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