Several US states are considering banning the sale of cultivated meat, citing concerns for the traditional meat industry, but many within the sector are pushing back. Industry representatives argue that such bans would restrict free trade and hinder potential food safety benefits, favouring consumer choice.
Nebraska, a leading beef and pork producer, has proposed legislation banning cultivated meat, and its governor signed an executive order in August 2024 prohibiting state agencies from purchasing these products. However, meat industry groups argue that the decision should be left to consumers, emphasising clear labelling of cultivated meat rather than an outright ban.
The North American Meat Institute also opposed the ban in Florida, stating that it would violate the Federal Meat Inspection Act, which governs the regulation of meat products. The Institute maintains that cultivated meat should be subject to the same food safety and labelling standards as traditional meat.
Meanwhile, legislators in Wyoming and South Dakota have voted against similar bans, instead advocating for stronger labelling and packaging regulations to allow consumers to make informed choices while avoiding restrictions on free trade.