The merits of 3D printing are many. This technology has hit numerous home runs and even a MedTech grand slam or two. However, there’s something fishy about the latest 3D printing application to make fish fillets. We’re calling it a foul ball.

According to the two partner companies that developed the fish fillets -Steakholder Foods in Israel and Umami Meats in Singapore, here’s the secret sauce:

• The fillets are made from actual grouper fish cells, cultivated and transferred to special 3D printers.
• The cultivated product is reported to flake, taste and melt in your mouth exactly like fish should.
• The process is described as "clean and antibiotics-free.”

That’s quite a mouthful and maybe just a bit hard to digest.

Regarding the business side of this fishing expedition, company officials claim that it’s currently too pricey to mass-produce enough food to replace real animals compared to plant-based chicken and beef products. Regulatory requirements are hurdles that would also have to be overcome. Yet, per Reuters, both companies expect to officially launch their first products in 2024 starting in Singapore, and eventually in the U.S.

Facts are one thing. Personal preferences are something different. Just like some may call raisins fruit while others call them candy, when it comes to fish, we’re going with the real thing—marinated and grilled.

ARTICLE: CNN 3D PRINTED FISH STORY