NEW TECH FOODS

The Oklahoma House of Representatives has passed a measure prohibiting the manufacture and sale of cultivated meat products in the state, becoming the latest to raise concerns over the creation of lab-grown meat.

House Bill 2829, put forward by Republican Ty Burns, would make it unlawful to manufacture, sell, hold or offer for sale any cultivated meat product in Oklahoma. Anyone found in violation would be guilty of a misdemeanor, and sellers could face suspension or revocation of their licenses. The House passed the bill 72-18, and it now moves to the Senate for consideration.

Speaking about the bill, Burns stated: “Oklahoma has a proud agricultural heritage, and this bill is about protecting our ranchers, farmers and consumers from an unregulated and potentially misleading industry”.

Oklahoma is now the fourth US state to propose or outright ban the production and sale of cultivated meat, following Mississippi, Florida and Alabama, all of which have cited concerns about protecting local agriculture and the safety of lab-grown meat for human consumption.

Burns added: “Real meat comes from real animals, and we want to ensure that Oklahoma’s food supply remains transparent and safe for our citizens”.

While supporters champion it as a sustainable and ethical alternative to traditional livestock farming, opponents argue it threatens agriculture and food heritage. Will cultivated meat find its place on consumers’ plates, or is the industry facing an uphill battle? Click the link to read more.

Cultivated or lab-grown meat is created from cultured animal cells rather than traditional livestock. This process involves harvesting muscle cells from animals and then growing them in a controlled environment, allowing for the production of meat without the need for agriculture. Supporters argue that this method provides a sustainable way to produce meat, potentially reducing the environmental impact associated with traditional livestock farming.

Currently, there is no cultivated meat available in stores in Oklahoma, but it was approved for consumption by the FDA in 2022. Individual states retain the authority to regulate food produced and sold within their jurisdictions, leading to a patchwork of regulations across the country.

The implications of this bill could be significant for the cultivated meat industry. Economically, it may deter investment and innovation in Oklahoma, pushing potential startups to more welcoming states. This could lead to a concentration of cultivated meat technology and expertise elsewhere, affecting job creation and economic growth in regions that embrace this sector.

Furthermore, experts predict that if such legislative actions continue, the future of cultivated meat may hinge on effective advocacy and public education about its benefits. As more consumers express interest in sustainable food options, the pressure on lawmakers to reconsider bans could increase.

The bill has now passed to the Senate for further debate, and its outcome could shape the trajectory of cultivated meat production not only in Oklahoma but also in the broader context of US food policy.