Cultivated Meat

UPSIDE Foods filed a lawsuit last month challenging the constitutionality of the law and requested a preliminary injunction. The lawsuit contends, in part, that a federal poultry-products law preempts Florida from imposing such a ban on the sale of “cultivated meat."

The lawsuit argues the restrictions against cultivated meat are unconstitutional and unfairly protect Florida farmers from competition by out-of-state producers.

Florida and Alabama banned the sale of cultivated meat and seafood, which is grown from animal cells. Other states and federal lawmakers also are looking to restrict it, arguing the product could hurt farmers and pose a safety risk to the public.

Florida, Alabama and Iowa have already enacted restrictions. Backers say they want to protect farmers and consumers. But those within the industry say their products must meet rigorous government safety tests.

Federal agencies have deemed lab-grown, or cultivated, meat safe to eat. But the legislation, supported by the state’s agriculture industry, “pumps the brakes” on the food to ensure it is safe.

The part of the bill that has drawn the most attention is a ban on the sale and manufacture of cultivated meat, with sponsor Sen. Jay Collins noting that for now “there’s no guarantee of safety for the consumer."

Federal agencies have deemed lab-grown, or cultivated, meat safe to eat. But the legislation, supported by the state’s agriculture industry, “pumps the brakes” on the food to ensure it is safe.

An Australian company has lifted the glass cloche on a meatball made of lab-grown cultured meat using the genetic sequence from the long-extinct mammoth. The high-tech treat isn't available to eat yet.