Feasibility of introducing lab-grown meat in Malaysia

Liang, Jia Yi and Ooi, Boon Tat (2019) Feasibility of introducing lab-grown meat in Malaysia. Final Year Project, UTAR.

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Abstract

In the near future, the meat industry might not be able to respond to the increasing world meat demand which might cause conventional meat a luxury. Besides, the current meat production has raised some issues in terms of environmental sustainability, animal welfare, and human health. In response, several alternatives such as plant-based meat and genetically modified meat have been introduced to the market to satisfy the meat demand. The newest food technology, lab-grown meat is meat produced in laboratories without raising and slaughtering animals addressing the issues associated with conventional meat production. The production involves growing cells in the cell-culture using various tissue-engineering techniques. It is known to be potentially more environmentally friendly, animal-friendly, and healthier compared to conventional meat. Since lab-grown meat is still a relatively new concept to the world, more extensive research has to be done to determine the perceptions of potential consumers towards lab-grown meat. As most of the Malaysians are not yet exposed to this concept, qualitative research method is used to initiate this study to determine the feasibility of introducing lab-grown meat in Malaysia. Five experts were chosen to participate in the interview sessions. Plenty of challenges such as lack of awareness among Malaysians about lab-grown meat, the cost of production, the readiness of Malaysians to accept lab-grown meat, and religious issues have to be overcome before it becomes feasible to be introduced in Malaysia. The government agencies have to take proactive actions to create awareness among Malaysians about lab-grown meat when they are more ready to accept this concept in the near future. The findings of this research could serve as a foundation for future researchers to conduct further research on this topic and to further determine the perceptions of Malaysians towards lab-grown meat in the future.

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