Alabama has now followed in the footsteps of Florida by becoming the second U.S. state to prohibit the production and sale of lab-grown meat.
On May 7, Governor Kay Ivey took the decisive step of signing the Alabama Bill into law. This new legislation, sponsored by Sen. Jack Williams and Rep. Danny Crawford, prohibits the manufacture, sale, or distribution of food products made from cultured animal cells.
Supporters of the bill claim that it safeguards cattle ranchers and farmers from the competition posed by lab-grown meat. The provisions within the bill also aim to counter the belief that a select group of global “elites” are advocating for the consumption of unnatural food.
“Cattlemen dedicate themselves to the daily task of raising cattle and delivering top-notch beef. The unwavering commitment of Senator Williams and Representative Crawford during this legislative session guarantees that the people of Alabama will have access to safe, nutritious, and authentic beef. Alabama Cattlemen’s Association Vice President Erin Beasley expressed her appreciation for their tireless efforts on Facebook.”
Lab-grown meat is a revolutionary technology that involves using animal cells to produce meat in a laboratory setting. This innovative approach aims to create a sustainable and ethical alternative to traditional animal farming.
Beef production a major climate change contributor
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Critics argue that the move is misguided for several reasons. Firstly, it has only been less than a year since the first cultivated meat regulatory approvals were passed in the U.S. Additionally, proponents of cell-based protein highlight its potential as an innovative solution to address climate change. Unlike traditional meat production, it does not require vast amounts of land, crops, and water to care for livestock.
Beef production significantly contributes to global methane emissions. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, a single cow produces between 154 to 264 pounds of methane gas annually. With 1.5 billion beef cattle raised worldwide, we are releasing a staggering 231 billion pounds of methane into the atmosphere each year.
In a statement to USA TODAY, Sean Edgett, Chief Legal Officer for food technology company Upside Foods, criticized the legislation that prohibits cultivated meat, calling it a reckless move. According to Edgett, this ban disregards the expertise of food safety experts and scientific evidence, while also limiting consumer choice and hindering American innovation. He further argues that this legislation effectively turns politicians into food police, while disregarding the safety assurances provided by the USDA and FDA.
Florida ban meant to protect ‘integrity of American agriculture’
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis took a decisive step on May 1 by signing a bill into law that explicitly bans the production, sale, and distribution of lab-grown meat. Recognizing the importance of safeguarding cattle ranchers and preserving the integrity of American agriculture, the former presidential candidate emphasized the necessity of this legislation.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis strongly opposes the idea of lab-grown meat. He firmly stated, “Take your fake lab-grown meat elsewhere.” According to him, Florida is taking a stand against the global elite’s agenda to impose the consumption of meat grown in a petri dish or insects on the world in order to achieve their authoritarian objectives.
Governor DeSantis mocked liberals who support “fake meat” as a solution to address climate change. He also criticized global leaders, including those at The World Economic Forum, who have suggested insects as a viable protein source (despite their popularity in certain cultures).
Impossible meat, made from plant-based ingredients, is exempt from the ban.
Officials from several other states, including Kentucky, Arizona, West Virginia, and Tennessee, are also in the process of implementing similar measures.
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