KFC is attempting to create the world’s first laboratory-produced chicken nuggets.
The fast-food chain is working with Russian firm 3D Bioprinting Solutions to develop technology which will use chicken cells and plant material to “print” chicken meat.
The plan, which is said to be more environmentally-friendly than the regular production of meat, is part of KFC’s plan to become a ‘restaurant of the future’. However, the nuggets won’t be vegetarian as the bioprinting process described by KFC uses animal material.
KFC aims to make the laboratory-produced meat taste as close as possible to its genuine chicken by providing 3D Bioprinting Solutions with ingredients and spices to “to achieve the signature KFC taste”.
Raisa Polyakova, general manager of KFC Russia & CIS, said: “At KFC, we are closely monitoring all of the latest trends and innovations and doing our best to keep up with the times by introducing advanced technologies to our restaurant networks.
“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.
“We are glad to contribute to its development and are working to make it available to thousands of people in Russia and, if possible, around the world.”