American state moves forward with legislation to ban cultivated meat

USA – Nebraska lawmakers are advancing a bill aimed at prohibiting the production, distribution, and sale of cultivated or lab-grown meat within the state. 

Governor Jim Pillen and State Senator Barry DeKay are leading the effort to introduce stricter regulations on the industry.

Governor Pillen, who previously signed an executive order in August 2024 restricting the sale of cultivated meat, emphasized the importance of protecting Nebraska’s agriculture sector. 

“We need to take proactive steps to ensure Nebraska farmers and ranchers aren’t disadvantaged,” Pillen said. 

“The government has a role in safeguarding consumers and defending agriculture, even if most of us prefer limited interference.”

The bill, co-sponsored by seven state senators, argues that the emerging cultivated meat industry could pose risks to the traditional meat sector and consumer trust. 

Senator DeKay raised concerns about equating lab-grown meat with conventionally produced meat.

“Meat is a proven source of essential protein. However, there is no certainty that manufactured meat meets the same dietary standards,” DeKay said. 

He also called for clearer labeling to distinguish cultivated meat from traditional products, claiming that without proper disclosures, lab-grown meat unfairly capitalizes on existing agricultural investments.

DeKay further criticized the support cultivated meat receives from organizations opposed to animal farming. 

Under the proposed legislation, violations could result in legal action under Nebraska’s Pure Food Act or the Uniform Deceptive Trade Practices Act. 

Cultivated meat, approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) approximately two years ago, has already faced similar bans in other states.

Earlier this year, Florida passed a law prohibiting the production and sale of cultivated meat. 

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed the bill into law, marking the state as the first to enact such a ban. 

Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson criticized cultivated meat, stating, “This product undermines the integrity of American agriculture and stands in opposition to traditional farming practices.”

Cultivated meat, produced from animal cell cultures to replicate the taste and texture of real meat, remains a contentious topic as more states debate its future.

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