– GOP politicians in four states are banning or considering bans on lab-grown meat
– Manufacturers of lab-grown meat say their products are not meant to be political
– The bans on lab-grown meat may be influenced by campaign donations from traditional farming industries
The fledgling lab-grown meat industry is facing backlash in the culture wars as GOP politicians in four states are passing or considering bans on “cell-cultured” food products. The politicians are trying to strangle the industry in its infancy by manufacturing a philosophical wedge to discourage consumers from supporting lab-grown meats. Despite the argument made by politicians like Gov. Ron DeSantis that this is a cultural issue, industry insiders say their products are not meant to be political.
Legislation to ban lab-grown meats has been passed or proposed in several states, including Florida, Arizona, Alabama, and Tennessee. Some lawmakers argue that traditional livestock farming is essential to the state’s economy and heritage, which is why they are seeking to ban cultivated meats. However, an FDA official confirmed that lab-grown meats that meet federal requirements are safe for consumers.
Industry insiders working on lab-grown meat products emphasize that their innovations are not meant to be political and do not intend to threaten traditional livestock farming. Despite the bans and legislative attempts to restrict lab-grown meats, companies like GOOD Meat are continuing to grow and receive approval to sell their products. Some industry experts believe that the attempts to ban lab-grown meats indicate the potential for significant growth in the industry in the future.