The global food industry is undergoing an acute change, driven by increasing concerns over climate change, food security, and ethical dilemmas surrounding traditional livestock farming. Conventional animal agriculture is responsible for nearly 15% of global greenhouse gas emissions, extensive land degradation, and high water consumption [1]. At the same time, global protein demand continues to rise, placing further strain on natural resources. Scientists and industry leaders are turning to cellular agriculture as a promising alternative to deal with these challenges. Cellular agriculture, which uses biotechnology to cultivate animal-derived products without traditional livestock, could fundamentally transform food production [2]. By decoupling food supply from environmental degradation, it has the potential to create a more sustainable and ethical food system.

Gene editing has emerged as a complementary technology that enhances cellular agriculture’s efficiency, nutritional quality, and scalability. CRISPR-Cas9 and similar gene editing tools allow for precise modifications in cell lines, improving growth rates, reducing reliance on costly growth media, and optimizing the texture and flavor of cultivated foods [3]. Proponents argue that gene editing is a crucial enabler of sustainable food innovation 4, 5, 6, but critics highlight regulatory uncertainty, economic barriers, and ethical concerns 7, 8. This paper explores the scientific advances, economic feasibility, regulatory landscapes, and public perception of gene-edited cellular agriculture, offering a comparative analysis of current research and future possibilities. This paper uniquely bridges these two emerging technologies to provide a unified perspective on their combined potential in food system transformation.