So far, research on meat substitutes has emphasised commercialisation, technological enhancements and lowering costs, with little attention paid to regulatory issues, ethical risk perception, environmental pollution and safety, states the paper.

Based on these issues, researchers in China and the US conducted a review of published studies to examine four key challenges facing plant-based meat (PM) and cultured meat (CM) substitutes: technology, commercialisation, hazards and regulatory oversight.

Consumers have expressed doubts on whether meat subsitutes are safe for consumption, and whether their primary purpose is tackling world hunger or increasing profitability, say researchers.

There are further ethical concerns when it comes to CM products, mainly around their ingredients. Many consider the acquisition of foetal bovine serum (FBS), one of the main supplements of CM products, to be inhumane, causing some to reject meat substitutes.

The researchers stated that in order to address these concerns, it was necessary to compile data to find solutions. They further wrote: “In the early stage of development, enterprises or R&D institutions should invite consumer participation to promote the understanding of technology and the food development process.”​

They added that government agencies should disseminate pertinent scientific information about meat substitutes and practise thoughtful consideration to increase consumer understanding and acceptance of such products.

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