Florida Bans Lab-Grown Meat, Citing Economic and Cultural Concerns

In a move that has sparked widespread debate, Florida has become the first U.S. state to ban the production and sale of lab-grown meat. Governor Ron DeSantis signed the bill into law on May 3, 2024, emphasizing the state's commitment to protecting its traditional agriculture industry and cultural heritage.

The new law prohibits the manufacture, sale, and distribution of cell-cultured meat products within the state. Proponents of the ban argue that it is necessary to safeguard jobs in the cattle industry and to maintain the state's reputation for high-quality beef. Critics, however, see the move as a step backward, arguing that lab-grown meat could offer a more sustainable and ethical alternative to traditional meat production.

The ban comes at a time when lab-grown meat is gaining traction globally, with companies like Eat Just and Upside Foods receiving approval to sell their products in Singapore and the United States. Florida's decision to outlaw these products contrasts sharply with efforts in other parts of the world to embrace innovative food technologies as a means to combat climate change and reduce the environmental impact of meat production.

Environmental groups have expressed concern over the ban, noting that lab-grown meat has the potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with traditional livestock farming. The move has also raised questions about the state's approach to innovation and its willingness to adapt to new technologies that could play a crucial role in addressing global challenges.

• agriculture
• Florida
• lab-grown meat
• Ron DeSantis

Detailed

‘We Will Save Our Beef’: Florida Bans Lab-Grown Meat

11 months ago

- nytimes