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Recently, some U.S. states, including Florida and Alabama, have prohibited the sale of lab-grown meat. There is a growing movement among lawmakers to prevent cultivated meat, which is produced from animal cells, from being sold in grocery stores and schools. Furthermore, there are ongoing federal initiatives to limit the availability of this type of meat.
The lab-grown meat industry is facing numerous challenges and uncertainties due to the implementation of these bans.
The rise and fall of lab-grown meat
In June of 2023, two California startups, Good Meat and Upside Foods, were finally granted approval to sell their lab-grown chicken products in the United States. While this was initially met with enthusiasm, the industry soon found itself facing a series of setbacks when lawmakers from seven different states began proposing legislation to ban the sale of cultivated meat.
“Closing the door before we even get out of the gate,” expressed Tom Rossmeissl, the head of global marketing for Good Meat, to the Associated Press last month. The statement portrayed his disappointment towards the unfortunate decision.
What is lab-grown meat?
Lab-grown meat, also referred to as cultivated meat, is created by cultivating animal cells in stainless steel tanks, utilizing cells from a live animal, a fertilized egg, or a cell bank.
The mixture of water, sugar, fats, and vitamins is fed to these cells, which are then transformed into cutlets, nuggets, and other shapes. The idea behind this method is to offer a sustainable and alternative source of protein to cater to the ever-increasing demand worldwide.
Industry response and future outlook
Although facing bans, the cultivated meat industry is determined to demonstrate the safety and advantages of their products. Upside Foods has initiated a Change.org petition to counter the bans, and other firms are exploring their legal alternatives. The industry maintains that cultivated meat must undergo rigorous safety tests mandated by the government and intends to serve as a supplement, rather than a replacement, to conventional meat.
Tom Rossmeissl, the head of global marketing for Good Meat, expressed concern that we are hindering something that could be crucial for our economy and food security. While the U.S. is currently leading the development of cultivated meat, there is increasing international competition.
Although there are some meat producers who are in favor of state-level bans, national organizations like the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and the Meat Institute are not in support of complete bans. Interestingly, some of the larger meat companies are now venturing into the development of their own cultivated meat products.
Lab-grown meat is facing a tough battle as the industry tries to overcome legal, political, and market hurdles to get their products to consumers.
Alabama lawmakers were warned by the Meat Institute, which includes major meat companies like JBS and Tyson, that the state’s ban on meat products could be unconstitutional. According to the institute, the regulation of meat processing and interstate commerce is under the purview of federal law.
The company is hopeful that someone will challenge the bans in court. However, they acknowledge that it is not feasible for their small business to undertake such a legal battle.
Arye Elfenbein, the co-founder of Wildtype, compared their company to David and the opposition to a gigantic Goliath.