(Liberty Nation)—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.
The Lone Star State already requires labeling of cell-cultured meat products through previous laws. Analysis by the Texas Senate Research Center justifies the new legislation with the claim that:
“The introduction of lab-grown meat could disrupt traditional livestock markets, affecting rural economies and family farms. There are concerns over transparency in labeling, risk of contamination, and the long-term health impacts of consuming cell-cultured products.”
When enacted, the law will take effect on Sept. 1, 2025. It will not prohibit the development of laboratory meat in “a private or independent institution of higher education … provided that the research does not further or relate to the sale or distribution of cell-cultured protein for human consumption in this state.” This will protect the prominent Texas A&M agricultural research business.
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