Aug 30, 2022 14:00:00

Can ``synthetic milk'' produced using bacteria replace milk?

In recent years, meat substitutes made without using animal-derived materials have been actively developed, and it has become possible to

easily eat substitute meat at fast food restaurants. In fact, research is being conducted not only on meat but also on 'milk' to 'produce synthetic milk without relying on cows', and multiple products are actually distributed on the market. Milena Boyovic, who studies food production systems and alternative proteins at Macquarie University in Australia, explains the necessity and distribution of such synthetic milk.

Not like udder milk: 'synthetic milk' made without cows may be coming to supermarket shelves near you
https://theconversation.com/not-like-udder-milk-synthetic-milk-made-without-cows-may-be-coming-to-supermarket-shelves-near-you-189046

According to Mr. Boyovic, about 80% of the world's population eats dairy products on a daily basis. However, when raising cattle, large amounts of greenhouse gases such as methane and carbon dioxide are released, which is one of the major causes of climate change . In recent years, the need for climate change countermeasures has been called out, and there is a growing demand for a shift from livestock and dairy farming to a sustainable food production system. For this reason, Mr. Boyovic argues that the spread of synthetic milk that can be produced without relying on cows is necessary.

An important technology when producing synthetic milk is 'precision fermentation', which manages bacteria and produces the desired molecules. The American company ' Perfect Day ' uses microorganisms to produce protein, and uses that protein to manufacture synthetic milk, ice cream, protein, etc.

It is said that it is difficult to match the texture and taste of substitute meat to the real thing, but '

Eden Brew ', which manufactures synthetic milk in Australia, says that the synthetic milk it produces is 'real milk and taste, appearance, and texture.' The feeling is the same,' he appeals . In addition, ' All G Foods ', which develops synthetic milk using precision fermentation in Australia, has successfully raised 25 million Australian dollars (about 1.7 billion yen) in 2022. Jean Pacas, CEO of All G Foods, said , 'Within seven years, we aim to offer synthetic milk at a lower price than cow's milk,' showing a willingness to expand the synthetic milk market.

There is a survey result that the precision fermentation industry in the United States will create employment for 700,000 people by 2030, and it is predicted that foods using proteins produced by precision fermentation will be widely distributed. On the other hand, the emergence of large-scale synthetic milk producers using precision fermentation could push small-scale synthetic milk producers and traditional dairy farmers out of the market. “In the future, as the synthetic milk market expands, we will have to address the inequalities seen in the traditional food production system,” Bojovic said. We need to strive to maximize social benefits and limit our impact on climate change.'