INTERVIEW 42 Alternative Proteins Magazine October 2024 Finally, as mentioned, cultivated meat addresses the ethical concerns of some pet owners who struggle with the moral dilemma of killing one animal to feed another, to fulfill the need for meat in pet diets. Recently, there has been a lot of talk regarding the ban of cultured meat, with Italy and some US states being the most recent ones to implement the ban. What are your thoughts on the bans? Why should the production of cultured meat be supported/approved? We are actively monitoring the regulatory landscape regarding potential bans on cultivated meat both in Europe and in the USA. Whenever possible, we engage in constructive dialogue to address concerns and provide accurate, science-based information. We recognize that many of the fears driving these bans stem from misconceptions or a lack of knowledge about the technology. We are convinced that if people better understood the technology, the cleanliness, the monitoring and the care cultivation requires, they would not be worried. Some people are also worried about the future of farming. Our aim is not to replace traditional farm animals or their products, but to offer consumers an additional option—an alternative for those who seek one. We believe cultivated meat can complement existing choices and broaden the menu. Cultivated meat might also be an interesting choice for those who currently avoid meat altogether. We do not want to prescribe to anyone what they should eat and we are very sad that someone wants to ban something we would like to eat. We strongly believe that anyone should be free to enjoy bolognese spaghetti, salads or burgers with the protein source their heart desires. Do you have any trials about the usage of cultured meat in pet food? What can you say about its effects on animal health and welfare in particular? At Bene Meat Technologies, safety is our foremost priority. To ensure this, we conduct tests that far exceed regulatory standards. We have performed a comprehensive review of all potential risks associated with meat cultivation, and this thorough assessment will be published in a scientific journal. We believe it could set a new industry standard for cultivated meat safety. Our rigorous process begins with screening cell samples for contaminants, including viruses, bacteria, parasites, and other possible hazards. Only
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