South Dakota Becomes Latest US State to Propose a Cultivated Meat Ban

South Dakota is the latest US state to propose a ban on cultivated meat, with a bill put forward by a legislative committee that would prohibit the manufacture, sale, and distribution of these products. The bill has gained approval from the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee with an 8-5 vote, and another bill restricting state spending on cultivated meat has also gained unanimous approval. However, further steps are needed for the bills to become law, including passing the state House of Representatives.

This move comes shortly after a bill in South Dakota aimed at ensuring clear labeling of cultivated meat products passed both chambers and is awaiting a decision by the governor. While some argue that cultivated meat could threaten traditional meat industry livelihoods and food safety, others, like lobbyist Matthew Bogue, find the ban hypocritical, noting that it would be unfair to introduce restrictions on cultivated meat while opposing bans and restrictions affecting animal agriculture or herbicides. Bogue sees the ban as government interference in consumer choice and choosing winners and losers in the market.