A legislative committee in South Dakota has put forward a bill that would ban the manufacture, sale, and distribution of cultivated meat in the state.
As reported by South Dakota Searchlight, the bill has already gained the approval of the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee with an 8-5 vote. Furthermore, another bill that would restrict state spending on cultivated meat has gained unanimous approval. However, more steps are required for the bills to become law, and both will need to pass the state House of Representatives.
The news comes just weeks after a bill to ensure the clear labeling of cultivated meat products passed both chambers in the state. It is currently awaiting a decision by the governor.
Alabama and Florida have already banned cultivated meat, while Nebraska is considering a similar step. Meanwhile, Iowa, West Virginia, and South Carolina have introduced laws mandating the clear labeling of cultivated meat products.
“Hypocritical”
The committee that put forward the new bill in South Dakota counts ranchers and meat industry lobbyists among its members. They argue that cultivated meat products could threaten their livelihoods and have food safety implications, despite having received regulatory approval.
However, not all lobbyists are in favor of the ban; Matthew Bogue, who spoke for a group of South Dakota Farm Bureau Federation members, claimed that it would be hypocritical to pass the bill. He pointed out that since farmers and ranchers dislike bans and restrictions affecting animal agriculture or the use of herbicides, it would be unfair to introduce a ban on cultivated meat.
“This is the government telling consumers who can and cannot purchase this product, and picking winners and losers,” he said, as reported by South Dakota Searchlight.
