Lab-Grown Meat Receives USDA Approval, California Companies Set to Sell

The U.S. Agriculture Department has approved the sale of lab-grown meat from animal cells, marking a significant milestone for the alternative protein industry. California-based companies Upside Foods and Good Meat are the first in the country to receive federal clearance to sell meat cultivated from stem cells. Lab-grown meat is produced by multiplying animal cells in a bioreactor and feeding them a nutrient-rich broth to develop muscle, fat, or connective tissue. While supporters believe it offers environmental benefits and reduces animal suffering, opponents raise concerns about potential risks and labeling.