Texas Has Become The Seventh US State To Ban Cultivated Meat Sales

Texas has become the seventh US state to ban the sale of cultivated meat, with Governor Greg Abbott signing Senate Bill 261 into law earlier this week. The bill prohibits the sale of "cell-cultured protein" for human consumption, but also includes strict labeling specifications for cultivated proteins. The Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association supported the ban, citing concerns about traditional animal agriculture being threatened by radical groups and companies promoting alternative meat products.

Cultivated protein, produced by growing tissue from real animal cells in a controlled environment, is seen as a viable alternative to traditional farmed meat. A study conducted after a tasting event for cultivated chicken found that most Americans opposed banning cultivated meat after trying it, viewing the issue as one of consumer freedom and national values. Critics argue that banning cultivated meat sets a dangerous precedent and lacks scientific backing, with concerns about greenhouse gas emissions from traditional meat production also being raised.