Florida is About to Become the First US State to Ban Cultivated Meat
Despite federal agencies deeming cultivated meat safe for consumption, a bill has been passed by the Florida Senate and is awaiting approval from Governor Ron DeSantis.
Photo: GOOD Meat
Florida is set to become the first US state to ban cultivated meat after the Republican-controlled Senate voted in favor of prohibiting restaurants and companies from selling or producing the alternative protein.
Two cultivated meat companies, UPSIDE Foods and GOOD Meat passed a rigorous multi-step US approval process by the FDA and USDA for their cultivated chicken products last year, making a historic moment for the industry. Despite being deemed as ‘safe to eat’ by the United States food safety regulation body, the bill’s lead sponsor, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, still claims that cultivated meat’s “unknowns are so great."
The move is among the most dramatic in a series of worldwide escalations against cultivated meat, which advocates say is to please animal farmers and protect them from potential competition. In America, a bill has been introduced that would prohibit the use of cultivated meat products on school menus, whilst Alabama and Arizona have also introduced proposals, like Florida, that aim to restrict or ban any food product grown from animal cells. Italy recently prohibited cultivated meat outright, becoming the first country in the world to take such a drastic step.
In Florida, penalties for those found to be selling or producing the product will be classified as a second-degree misdemeanor. Whilst a previous bill version, introduced last November by Florida House Representative Tyler Sirois, aimed to prohibit research into the field of cultivated meat, this practice will still be allowed as NASA scientists need to explore the technology.
In an interview with Politico last November, Sirois called cultivated meat an “affront to nature and creation” and highlighted that “farming and cattle are incredibly important industries to Florida”.
“Restricting the sale and manufacture of cell cultivated meat products limits consumer choice and denies Floridians access to food options.”
Although Florida's beef farmers view cultivated meat as a threat, the nation's largest meat packing association has a different perspective. The North American Meat Association wrote to Governor Ron DeSantis and legislative leaders, expressing concerns that a ban on cellular agriculture goes against the usual free market principles the state promotes.
“The Meat Institute is agnostic regarding whether Floridians will buy cell cultivated meat products. Perhaps they will; perhaps they will not,” said Mark Dopp, CEO and General Council for the Meat Institute. “But restricting the sale and manufacture of cell cultivated meat products limits consumer choice and denies Floridians access to food options.”
Blocking Innovation
Critics of the bill argue that cultivated meat is one of the world’s leading solutions to meeting the demand for meat and other animal products while addressing the climate, health, and animal welfare impact of traditional, slaughter-based meat.
Research indicates that cultivated meat has the potential to generate emissions that are up to 92 percent lower than those from conventional meat. It could also lead to a reduction of up to 94 percent in air pollution linked to meat production and use as much as 90 percent less land.
Elizabeth Novogratz, the founder of Species Unite and the first person in the US to purchase cultivated chicken in the state of New York, said, “The cultivated meat industry has the potential to transform the food system to one that is kinder to animals and the planet. Forward-thinking governments can see the potential in this and refuse to give in to pressure and fear-mongering from the meat industry.”
Meanwhile, Florida’s ban has prompted 38 biotech venture fund leaders to sign a letter to legislators, strongly opposing the restrictions, highlighting concerns it will isolate the state from research investment and job innovation.
“Florida would uniquely choose to restrict a vital segment of the American biotechnology sector,” the letter reads. “Such a decision will raise strong doubts among investors about the state’s commitment to supporting emerging technologies, hindering future investments to the industry and Florida.”
“Globally, the demand for protein is rapidly outpacing conventional supply capabilities, exacerbated by limited land and water resources,” the letter continues.
This sentiment is mirrored by Senator Tina Polsky, D-Boca Raton, who has voiced concerns that the ban will deter technology companies from locating in Florida.
“The cultivated meat industry is in its infancy, but it's clear that it could become an important part of meeting an increasing demand for protein as a worldwide population grows and certainly it is in this state,” said Polsky. “Studies have shown that cultivated meat has health benefits, reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses, allows precise control over fat content, does not involve the use of growth hormones and also has been shown to have tremendous environmental benefits.”
Photo: GOOD Meat
Supporting Solutions for Animals and the Environment
By 2050, the human population is estimated to reach 9.5 billion, and the demand for animal-based protein is expected to double. With 75 billion land animals and trillions of fish currently slaughtered globally every year, the climate and ethical implications of these are incomprehensible.
That’s why, in 2024 and beyond, Species Unite will continue to champion solutions, including cultivated meat, that can help transition the world away from animal products. Join our community by becoming a member today and check out our food-focused podcast episodes to learn more about cellular agriculture.
Although cultivated meat still has a way to go before it’s on supermarket shelves, you don’t have to support animal suffering. Sign up to our 30-Day Plant Power challenge to make cruelty-free choices when it comes to your food and fashion.
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