Italy Has Become the First Country in Europe to Ban Lab-Grown Meat

The Italian government decided to prohibit laboratory-produced meat, believing that such products could undermine 'Italian culture.'

This was reported by Politico.

In a conversation with the publication, the Minister of Agriculture of Italy, Francesco Lollobrigida, noted that the restrictive measures aim to 'protect labor, the environment, culture, and identity rooted in the quality of food products.'

"If you produce food that has no connection to human, land, or labor, you can move production to a place with lower taxes and lower environmental standards, causing harm to jobs and the environment," emphasized Minister Lollobrigida.

Earlier, the increased demand for artificial meat raised concerns among Italian farmers.

Now, according to the new law, consumption and sale of food and feed grown in laboratories using artificial cells are prohibited in Italy. Violating the law may result in the suspension of business operations and a fine of 150,000 euros for producers.

It is worth noting that 'cultivated' or cell-based meat is created by selecting live animal cells and enriching them with nutrients so that they can grow in bioreactors. Animal rights advocates also call it 'slaughter-free meat' and a product capable of feeding humanity while reducing the harmful impact of industrial animal farming.

The policy of the Italian government has already faced a barrage of criticism. Critics have called the new regulations 'ideological propaganda.' The European Institute for Good Food Products also expressed concern.

"This bill not only deprives consumers of choice but also isolates Italy from investments and job creation offered by this growing industry," said Francesca Gallelli, a public relations consultant at GFI Europe.

It is worth noting that since Lollobrigida came to power, he has already implemented a series of 'patriotic measures' aimed at 'protecting Italian culture and culinary heritage.'

The first muscle fibers were grown in a test tube in 1971 by American pathology professor Russell Ross. In 1991, the first patent for the production of artificial meat for human consumption was obtained.

Currently, the sale of artificial meat is fully legalized only in Singapore and the United States.