Meat products from 3D printer could be the new food for aged care homes and restaurants

Meat could be used in 3D printing to produce a soft food with specific nutrients and suitable for people who have problems with chewing or swallowing. By using a meat extract as ink, layer-by-layer, a food could be created that is as soft as butter and like meat, packed with nutrients. Meat and Livestock Australia was alerted to the possibility of red meat three-dimensional printing after seeing it done with chicken meat in Germany. The research, development and marketing body has investigated a way to turn every last bit of meat from the bone into a high value product and believes it is feasible. Sean Starling the general manager of Research, Development and Innovation at MLA said a high protein ink or powder could be used in a 3D printer. Red meat is valued as a source high in protein, iron and zinc, but also for its taste and texture. But for people who have trouble chewing and swallowing and suffer dysphagia, those nutrients are hard to get. MLA found Germany has 3D printed food in 1,000 nursing homes, and 3D printed food would be more appetising than pureed food...more