USA – Alabama is becoming the second state in the U.S. to ban lab-grown meat, following Florida’s similar action earlier this month.
Governor Kay Ivey signed the Alabama Bill on May 7, which prohibits the “manufacture, sale, or distribution of food products made from cultured animal cells.”
This legislation, sponsored by Republicans Sen. Jack Williams and Rep. Danny Crawford, aims to shield traditional cattle ranchers and farmers from competition with lab-grown meat producers.
Supporters of the bill are arguing that it safeguards the interests of cattle ranchers and farmers, asserting that it addresses concerns about the promotion of unnatural food by global “elites.”
Erin Beasley, Vice President of the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association, expressed gratitude for the efforts of Sen. Williams and Rep. Crawford, emphasizing that the legislation ensures Alabamians will continue purchasing authentic beef.
“Cattlemen work hard every day to raise cattle and produce high-quality beef,” Beasley wrote on Facebook.
“The tireless efforts of Sen. Williams and Rep. Crawford this session will ensure Alabamians continue to purchase safe, wholesome, real beef.”
Lab-grown meat, an emerging technology, uses animal cells to produce meat in a laboratory setting intended for human consumption.
This recent legislation in Alabama comes shortly after Florida’s announcement of its own ban – Florida’s bill, SB 1084, classifies the production, transportation, commercialization, and sale of cultivated meat as second-degree misdemeanors
Businesses violating the ban risk losing their licenses and facing immediate stop-sale orders, reflecting Florida’s firm stance against this emerging industry.
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