Despite discussion of the benefits of cultured meat and problems with current livestock production practices, many of the articles briefly discussed the skepticism associated with the technology of cultured meat. Skepticism was referenced, at times, in a direct manner, while at other times skepticism was discussed as something that had to be overcome by proponents of cultured meat. Some articles discussed the questionable consumer acceptance of cultured
meat, uncertainty, concerns/risks of cultured meat, and the negative aspects of cultured meat. When discussing consumer acceptance, many articles mentioned a “yuck” or “ick” factor that people have toward the idea of cultured meat. This is demonstrated in the following statement from the Sun Sentinel: “There's a yuck factor when people find out meat is grown in a lab. They don't like to associate technology with food.” An article, from the Albany Examiner, recognized the is-
sues with consumer preference but stated, “There will be psychological hurdles; hurdles that could be overcome with improved quality, reduced cost, and education on animal suffering.” The uncertainty of cultured meat was discussed in an article from The Times of London, England which included, “every time we mess around with our ecological heritage there are unintended side-effects. We have a long history of unintended consequences.” Additionally, the uncer-
tainty of cultured meat was recognized in an article from The Capital Press of Salem, Oregon as a concern that could be overcome. This article stated, “It may take some time to prove the new technology doesn't harm humans.” One negative aspect of cultured meat that was discussed was the current cost. Often the skepticism theme was
counterbalanced in some articles by statements such as, “If it feels and tastes like meat, people will buy it.” This statement was found in The Sunday Times of London, England.