63 percent of Austrians are in favor of approving so-called laboratory meat, provided it has been found to be safe. But there is also great interest in plant-based alternatives to animal products in the country.
59 percent reported that they had heard of meat produced in a laboratory. 42 percent would try laboratory meat at least once. More than half of people under 35 and flexitarians – so-called flexible vegetarians who reject mass-produced meat – said this. 66 percent believe that “cultured meat” should also be produced in Austria when it comes onto the market.
Overall, there is great interest in more ‘sustainable’ diets, with 59 percent believing that too many animal products are consumed. 47 percent would like alternatives to meat, fish, eggs and dairy products.
30 percent of 1,000 respondents to an online survey commissioned by think tank Good Food Institute Europe said they wanted to consume more plant-based meat alternatives over the next two years, and 28 percent wanted to consume more plant-based milk alternatives. 60 percent believe that “politicians should end discrimination against plant-based milk alternatives when it comes to VAT.”
Change in consumption habits
There is also interest in Austria in changing consumption habits beyond laboratory meat: “46 percent of respondents say they want to consume less animal products in the next two years.” This mainly concerns plant-based options for meat or dairy products.
53 percent hope that farmers will be supported in the transition to a greater share of plant-based food. 50 percent want to see the share of plant-based products increase in public canteens, for example in schools and hospitals
The production of laboratory meat requires stem cells obtained from the muscle tissue of a living animal. In the laboratory, the cells are enriched with a nutrient solution in a container. To multiply them, a growth serum is also needed.
The technologies commonly used to date have used blood taken from calf fetuses. Both the fetus and the mother die during the extraction. However, research is already being conducted into methods that do not require this fetal calf serum.
Once enough cells have grown, the final product is formed using a meat grinder or a 3D printer. This creates burger patties or nuggets. Last July, Italy became the first country in the EU to vote for a ban on foods made from cell cultures. This led to discussion in Europe.
Source: Krone
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