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Mississippi’s Stance on Cultivated Meat
Curious about trying a lab-grown chicken sandwich? You won’t find any in Mississippi soon, as the state has taken a definitive step against such innovations. Earlier this week, the Mississippi House of Representatives unanimously passed a bill proposing to ban the production and sale of cultivated or cell-derived meat within state lines.
The proposed legislation, which is anticipated to be signed by Governor Tate Reeves, a Republican, includes potential penalties such as a $500 fine and a maximum of three months in jail for violations.
The Broader Movement Against Cultured Meat
This move is part of a broader trend where states are placing restrictions on the emerging cell-cultured meat industry, despite these products not yet being available to U.S. consumers. Unlike plant-based alternatives like the Impossible Burger, which are crafted entirely from plant ingredients, lab-grown meat originates from animal cells. These cells are cultivated in nutrient-rich environments, allowing them to develop into the essential components of meat: muscle, connective tissue, and fat.
Proponents of lab-grown meat advocate that it can significantly reduce the environmental impact of traditional livestock farming and offer a cruelty-free protein source for meat enthusiasts.
States Taking a Stand
Last year, Florida and Alabama became trailblazers by legally prohibiting the cultivation and sale of lab-grown meat. Other states, such as Nebraska and Georgia, are contemplating similar legislative actions.
