KFC is testing lab-made chicken nuggets in Russia – and where next? 3D bioprinted meat could be an ethical, environmental alternative
As an alternative to factory farming, KFC has announced trials of chicken nuggets made with Russian bioprinting technology will be hitting plates this autumn, along with vegan meat substitutes from Beyond Fried Chicken
KFC will test chicken nuggets made with 3D bioprinting technology in Moscow, Russia, this autumn, the chain announced in a July 16 press release.
The fast-food chain has partnered with 3D Bioprinting Solutions to create a chicken nugget made in a lab with chicken and plant cells using bioprinting. Bioprinting, which uses 3D-printing techniques to combine biological material, is used in medicine to create tissue and even organs.
The 3D-printed chicken nuggets will closely mimic the taste and appearance of KFC's original chicken nuggets, according to the press release. KFC expects the production of 3D-printed nuggets to be more environmentally friendly than the production process of its traditional chicken nuggets. The release will mark the debut of lab-grown chicken nuggets at a global fast-food chain like KFC.
“Crafted meat products are the next step in the development of our 'restaurant of the future' concept. Our experiment in testing 3D bioprinting technology to create chicken products can also help address several looming global problems,” said Raisa Polyakova, the CEO of KFC Russia and Commonwealth Independent States.