7 chapters across the catalog
A lawsuit filed by a former Campbell's Soup employee alleges that an executive made disparaging remarks about the company's products, including claims of using 3D-printed or bioengineered chicken. While Campbell's denies the claims as "patently absurd," the Florida Attorney General has opened an investigation into the company's products.
Companies are developing modular platforms to 3D print meat using cells collected from live animals and "bio-ink" to replicate muscle and fat structures. Simultaneously, authorities in the Netherlands are proposing a tax of seven euros per kilo on red meat to offset perceived healthcare costs. The Dutch government claims red meat consumption leads to increased instances of illness that burden the public health system.
Israeli company Redefine Meat has partnered with European importers to distribute 3D-printed "meat" cuts made from soy, pea protein, and coconut fat. A new factory in the Netherlands uses large-scale printers to recreate the texture and marbling of traditional steak. The hosts express skepticism about the product's appeal and suggest that the industry should have started with simpler 3D-printed foods like candy to build consumer trust.
The 2022 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) features new categories such as food technology and space tech. Companies are showcasing 3D printers capable of producing plant-based meat alternatives, while Amazon expands its presence in the healthcare sector with its pharmacy division. Critics question the classification of "impossible pork" and other food products as consumer electronics.
Fake Meat Industry, JBS and 3D Printed Protein
The global meat processing giant JBS acquires the Netherlands-based plant protein brand Vivera for $400 million. The hosts discuss the rise of "alt-protein" and the potential for 3D-printed meat grown from human cells, jokingly referred to as "Hufu." They suggest the Biden administration's pressure on the beef industry is paving the way for these synthetic alternatives.
Carbon Credit Economy, Fake Meat Industry Transition
Texas Slim of the Texas Beef Initiative discusses how the "carbon credit economy" is being used to target the cattle industry. Global food corporations are reportedly shifting toward fake meat, including 3D-printed and vegetable-based proteins, to comply with new carbon regulations. The hosts suggest that after November 12th, new marketing plans for these alternative commodities will be released globally.
Lab-Grown Meat, Beer Shortages, and Livestock Emissions
A study in *Nature Plant* warns of a global beer shortage due to barley's sensitivity to drought. In Silicon Valley, scientists are developing lab-grown chicken nuggets from feather cells to reduce the carbon footprint of the livestock industry. While major meat processors are investing in the technology, states like Missouri have moved to ban the use of the word "meat" on lab-grown product labels.
