More states lining up to ban cell-grown meat

So called alt-meat, cultivated from cells and grown in laboratory-like facilities, has experienced regulatory and market success in only fits and starts. But it remains enough of a threat to traditional animal agriculture. And several states are ready to save animal agriculture by banning alt-meat entirely.

Three states have already enacted laws limiting or entirely banning cultivated meat.

The first was the Florida bill signed into law on May 1 by Gov. Ron DeSantis. It makes it unlawful for any person in Florida to manufacture, hold, or offer any cultivated meat for sale or distribution.

Six days later, Alabama passed its bill banning alt-meat. It takes effect on Oct. 1.

Iowa, the third state that already acted, did so with legislation prohibiting lab-grown food from being labeled meat.

Additional states appear ready to enact bills that will give alt-meat fewer places to go.

Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen is the latest to announce that he is working with his state’s Unicameral Legislature to make the sale of lab-grown meat illegal. In the meantime, Pillen signed an executive order restricting state agencies and contractors from spending state funds on lab-grown meat.