June 27, 2024

US Republican officials seek to ban use of government funds for cell-cultured meat with new bill

A member of the House Freedom Caucus in United States has introduced a bill to ban the use of US federal funds for cell-cultured meat.

Rep. Warren Davidson drafted the legislation and was joined by eight Republican colleagues, including two members of the House Agriculture Committee.

"Fake cell-cultured meat not only poses a health risk to the human body, but it also threatens the livelihoods of America's hard-working ranchers, livestock farmers and butchers," said Davidson. "Recently, laws prohibiting lab-grown meat have been passed in states like Florida and Alabama. Congress must act to ensure US taxpayers are not footing the bill for this inferior, experimental product."

The REAL Meat Act of 2024 would prohibit funding for research, development, promotion, advertisement or production of cell-cultured meat. It also would outlaw using federal nutrition funds for their purchase, including SNAP funds.

In early June, groups including the National Cattlemen's Beef Association criticised a Department of Defense research grant to fund the development of cell-cultured meat. The industry has faced pushback from lawmakers at the local, state and federal level over the past year, including sale bans and stringent labeling requirements. The REAL Meat Act has been referred to the House Agriculture Committee.

- National Hog Farmer