Michigan is the latest state to consider a ban on the production and sale of cultivated meats.
State Rep. Jim DeSana, R-Carleton, introduced HB-5879, which would amend the Michigan Food Law by prohibiting the production and sale of cultivated or lab=grown meat. Part of that proposed bill is a subsection that makes it a misdemeanor that is punishable by up to 30 days in jail or a $1,000 fine to anyone who manufactures, sells, offers or exposes for sale cultivated meat.
The bill has been co-sponsored by Reps. Joseph Fox, Neil Friske, Jaime Greene, Mike Hoadley, Matt Maddock, Jerry Neyer, Dave Prestin and Rachelle Smith, all of whom are Republicans. It is presently being considered by the House’s Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee.
“This is about protecting our ranchers and about protecting the integrity of our food supply,” DeSana stated. “This is also about protecting your right to provide food for yourself and your family.
DeSana is directly involved in animal agriculture production, raising cattle, sheep and chickens.
Action against cultivated meats in other states
Presently, the only state with an active ban the production and sale of cultivated meat is Florida, with that law taking effect in July.
However, Alabama has a similar law in the books, with that law set to take effect on October 1.
In Nebraska, Gov. Jim Pillen recently signed an executive order that restricts state agencies and contractors from obtaining cultivated meat. Pillen also announced that he will work with state legislators to draft a complete ban on the products.
In Iowa, Gov. Kim Reynolds in May signed legislation that prohibits lab-grown food from being labeled as meat.
