WILLAGRI
On November 16th, the country approved the prohibition of lab-grown synthetic meat produced in laboratories from animal cells. The new legislation also rejects the use of the term “meat” for plant-based substitutes.
This ban proposal had been introduced earlier in the year by the Italian government to the Parliament. Pioneering this stance, the government cites health considerations and a desire to protect the interests of the agricultural sector.
Lab-grown meat production remains permitted in the United States, but innovative companies in the sector fear that this decision could hinder investments in the coming months.
On the other hand, environmental and animal rights advocates hope that this decision will not undermine the transition to more sustainable farming models.
Singapore and the United States allow the consumption of lab-grown meats, while Switzerland and the United Kingdom are currently exploring this possibility.
The scientific community alerts authorities to the inherent risks of introducing a new food item for which data is limited and experience relatively short.
Source: Reporterre