Campbell's Bioengineered 3-D Printed Meat Controversy Brings Food Transparency Problems to the Spotlight

If you've been paying attention, then you already know that the leaked recording of a Campbell’s executive has the news reels spinning.  Part of the recording includes allegations that the famous soup company has been feeding consumers 3-D printed, bioengineered lab-grown meat. While part of an impassioned rant, the accusations have carried enough weight to get the attention of Florida's attorney general.  And a full investigation is underway.

Of course, Campbell's is attempting to dispel the allegations by asserting that their bioengineered labeling refers not to the chicken, but GMO canola, corn, soybean, and sugar beet.  A defense which misses the point that many consumers are wary of any bioengineered ingredients. Even in the best light, the fallout calls into question the safety of our food production lines and dwindling trust. Lest we forget the other lawsuits Campbell's has been defending regarding baby food allegedly contaminated with toxic heavy metals.

So can we trust that lab-grown meats aren't hiding behind bioengineered ingredient labels?  If the allegations of 3-D printed meat are true, this is a huge problem which will likely have huge consequences.  Not just for Campbell's, but for the food production marketplace as a whole. There are reasons why Florida and several other states have banned lab-grown meat.  In part, to provide economic protection for farmers, but it's also about health and safety.

Bioengineered lab-grown meat is a material created from animal cells. The cells are cultivated inside a large steel bioreactor with a nutrient solution to encourage the cells to multiply rapidly. The resulting sheets of muscle and connective tissue are then structured into something mimicking a traditional food product. While many are put off by the unnatural creation of such a product, it is really the manipulation of cellular division that causes the greatest concern.

In humans, when we talk about continuous cellular division, we're usually referring to cancer.  In fact, the National Cancer Institute notes that "uncontrolled, indefinite cell division is a defining feature of cancer cells".  Some opponents of lab-grown meat liken cultivation to methods used to produce tumor cells. When cancer is such a considerable health threat, why would we allow a food chain to introduce such materials?

Whether or not the Campbell's allegations turn out to be true, the current dialogue is important.  It's a discussion that we need to have as a nation regarding legal, ethical, and safety concerns.  The fact that such a thing is even plausible displays a blatant lack of oversight and lack of protection for consumers. We need these discussions about what regulators allow to be covered by a bioengineered ingredient label. The controversy is exploding because this isn't just about one disgruntled food manufacturing executive. It's about an overall lack of transparency and how this will shape the future.

One thing is clear. We still can't trust manufacturers to disclose ingredients and protect consumers. Stay informed so you can protect your own health. And as much as possible, avoid processed foods in favor of organic whole foods from trusted sources.

For personalized nutrition counseling, schedule a one-on-one consultation with Rose.   Explore the "Services" tab for additional offerings.

References

Campbell’s Denies ‘Lab-Grown Meat’ Allegation After Leaked Recording Triggers Florida Investigation

Differences between Cancer Cells and Normal Cells

Congressional Report Reveals Manufacturers 'Knowingly' Sold Toxin-Tainted Baby Food

*This blog contains Amazon affiliate links. The owner of this site may receive a small commission if you click a link and make a purchase.  This does not affect the sales price.