The Battle Over Lab-Grown Meat Heats Up

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) is expected to sign a bill banning cell-cultured proteins in the Lone Star State. Montana, Indiana, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, and Nebraska have enacted similar bans, reflecting an increasing pushback to what many see as a globalist effort to control food supplies, undermining traditional American farming. Advocates claim fake meat substitutes, including the lab-grown simulated varieties, are more healthful and save the climate from cows and farming. The dispute is headed to the courts but will likely be decided by consumer choice.

Controversial Technology

The United States is one of only three countries that permit the sale of cell-cultured meat. Approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) pits federal regulators, as well as the two companies thus far approved to sell these products (Upside Food and Good Meats), against consumers, farmers, and state legislators, who weigh in through legislation such as SB 261 in Texas. Cell-cultured meat is created in laboratory bioreactors using harvested animal cells grown in a tightly controlled artificial environment, with nutrients and other factors that promote growth. The cells undertake characteristics of muscle, connective tissue, or fat cells before being “harvested” for food processing. The FDA oversees the novel technology in conjunction with the Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service.