Cultivated meat received regulatory approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) less than two years ago, but several states have already introduced legislation that would ban its sale.
In Florida, a bill signed into law earlier this year by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis made it “unlawful for any person to manufacture, sell, hold or offer for sale or distribute cultivated meat in this state.” Cultivated meat – also known as cell-cultured or lab-grown – is a product derived from animal cell cultures designed to mimic the taste, texture and appearance of real animal products.
“Florida is taking a tremendous step in the right direction by signing first-in-the-nation legislation banning lab-grown meat. We must protect our incredible farmers and the integrity of American agriculture. Lab-grown meat is a disgraceful attempt to undermine our proud traditions and prosperity, and is in direct opposition to authentic agriculture,” said Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson.
Businesses in violation of this rule could face disciplinary action and/or lose their license, while a person found guilty would be charged with a second-degree misdemeanor.
Lawmakers in Michigan, Alabama, Nebraska and Iowa have all proposed similar regulations that prohibit the production and sale of cultivated meat in 2024. A bi-partisan bill enacted in 2024 prevents the use of cultivated meat being served at school lunches. Additional U.S. states may also have bills banning the alternative protein by the time this makes it to press.
Little to fear from cultivated meat
Whether banned or allowed, I think the poultry industry has little to fear from cultivated meat.
Despite its USDA approval, cultivated meat is not yet for sale in retail and only available at few upscale restaurants at a price point too high for most consumers. While advocates of the alternative protein tout its sustainability, many others still question the safety and cost of cultivated meat especially compared to animal proteins produced by traditional agriculture.
While there is always an audience for alternative proteins, remember all the excitement about plant-based proteins a few years ago? Sales of plant-based proteins have dropped to below pre-2020 levels with a downward trend expected through 2029, according to a 2024 Mintel report. There is little reason to expect cultivated meat sales to perform any differently.
