Draft #1 Technical Report_Increasing awareness of cultured meat as a sustainable food alternative for Singapore

1. Introduction

1.1. Background information

Food sustainability is more than just the food itself, it takes into account several factors that describe the term, food sustainability. Food sustainability looks into the production, distribution, packaging and consumption of food. For instance, having sustainable farming practices, a low environmental impact, and protecting public health are all essential factors that determine food sustainability. These factors ensure that the amount of farm produce is either consistent or increasing. These also ensure that natural resources are neither wasted nor damaged, and that is it healthy and safe for consumption, which means that there are no hazardous pesticides and chemicals, non-essential antibiotics or growth promotion supplements (Kylie Ackers, 2019). 

Food sustainability greatly impacts Singapore, as 90% of Singapore’s food supply is imported from other countries. Today, Singapore imports food from 170 countries, which is an increase from 160 countries in 2007. For instance, 35% of chicken, 17% of fish, 93% of duck and 76% of eggs in Singapore come from Malaysia. Brazil also supplies 47% of Singapore’s imported chicken, 30% of imported pork, and 53% of imported beef (Today Online, 2019). 

While Singapore’s food security remains secure at the present moment, there is a need to implement new strategies. The global market continues to change and Singapore’s relationship with other countries might become weak, which could challenge our food supply. Incidents in the past have also shown that the food that Singapore imports may not always be the safest for consumption. For example, in 2014, the cost of egg increased when Malaysian farms were prohibited from supplying eggs to Singapore as their eggs were found to contain a bacterium called Salmonella Enteritidis, which results in food poisoning. Recently, rotten-meat was found in Brazil in March, when its police discovered that health inspectors had been bribed by major meatpackers to keep rotten meat on the market. These two incidents are crucial to take note of as a significant portion of eggs in Singapore are imported from Malaysia prior to the incident, while Brazil supplies Singapore with a significant amount of chicken, pork and beef (Today Online, 2019).

In order for Singapore to ensure its food security in the future, in the midst of a global changing market, new food technologies and methods like cultured meat must be utilized, and Singapore should also begin introducing cultured meat in universities to raise awareness of such meats. 

1.2. Problem Statement

Singapore is to reach the target of producing 30% of food locally by 2030, a figure set by the Singapore Food Agency (SFA). However, Singapore imports up to 90% of food globally. This shows that Singapore has a high dependency on global food imports. Much effort is required to reduce the statistic by introducing alternative food options and raising awareness on these food options that are available or to be introduced. The goal is for SFA to set its focus on a specific target audience, using Singapore Institute of Technology as a trial, to raise awareness on alternative food options such as cultured meat to the students and staff from the institute. A collaboration between SFA and SIT@Dover (Food Technology) to the campus.

1.3. Purpose Statement

This report aims to convince Mr Lim Chuan Poh, chairman of Singapore Food Agency, to come into a collaboration with SIT@Dover, in implementing the research and sale of cultured meat. We aim to increase food sustainability awareness within the campus and nurture the younger generation of Singapore into the acceptance of future food.

References:
Ackers, K., Gruchy, H. de, Thomas, H., Worsley, S., & Nolet, S. (2019, September 12). What Does Food Sustainability Really Mean? Retrieved October 28, 2019, from https://www.ecoandbeyond.co/articles/food-sustainability/

Aqil Haziq (2019, March 7). Singapore aims to produce 30% of its nutritional needs by 2030, up from less than 10%. CNA. Retrieved from https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/singapore-produce-30-own-food-up-from-10-nutritional-needs-11320426

Begum, S. (2019, March 27). Future food: Growing meat in lab to help meet supply needs. The Straits Times. Retrieved from https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/future-food-growing-meat-in-lab-to-help-meet-supply-needs

Begum, S. (2019, March 28). Food of the future: Beefing up efforts to grow meat in labs. The Straits Times. Retrieved from https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/beefing-up-efforts-to-grow-meat-in-labs

Choy, K. (2017, May 26). The Big Read: Far from people's minds, but food security a looming issue. Retrieved October 28, 2019, from https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/big-read-far-peoples-minds-food-security-looming-issue