MICHIGAN, USA, February 18, 2009: (HPI Note: We spoke today with Rob Chiles regarding the ethics surrounding “in vitro” meat, meat grown in an artificial setting that has never been part of a living animal. Personally, he sees this method as a way to reduce factory farming. He is requesting to interview authorities within the Hindu community on this topic. He may be contacted at rchiles@ssc.wisc.edu.)
“Hi, my name is Rob Chiles and I’m a Ph.D. student in sociology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison (USA). I’m currently conducting a research project on the social aspects of in vitro meat (a nascent technology whereby researchers replicate cells from livestock in order to create processed meat products). As opposed to cloning, in vitro meat generates an end-product without birthing live animals. I’m very interested in hearing about the Hindu community’s assessment of in vitro meat and whether or not consuming it would constitute a violation of religious norms. Specifically, I’d like to interview authorities with standing and expertise as concerns Hinduism and food issues. The focus of my research isn’t really to figure out how many people would be for it or against it; I’m more interested in representing different points of view. If you’d like to participate, I’d also need you to sign a consent form – I can send it to you via either email or fax. The purpose of the consent form is simply to inform you of your rights as a research participant. Thanks for your time, and I hope to hear from you.”