Texas Lab-Grown Meat Ban Takes Effect, Industry Leaders Sue Over Restrictions

Texas Bans Lab-Grown Meat, Sparking Industry-Wide Concerns A two-year ban on lab-grown meat took effect across Texas on September 1, joining six other US states and Italy in restricting the technology. The move has sparked a lawsuit from two companies, Wildtype Foods and Upside Foods, which are part of a growing industry seeking to revolutionize the food landscape. The ban is the latest hurdle for an industry still in its infancy. Lab-grown meat, also known as cultivated meat, involves taking live animal cells and growing them in a lab to create food products without the need for slaughter. This technology has the potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture, which account for around 10-20% of global climate pollution. "We believe this ban is an overreach by state officials," said Tom Haines, CEO of Wildtype Foods. "Lab-grown meat has the potential to transform the way we produce food and address some of the biggest challenges facing our planet." The lawsuit filed by Wildtype Foods and Upside Foods argues that the ban is unconstitutional and stifles innovation in the industry. The companies are seeking an injunction to block the enforcement of the ban while their case is heard. Lab-grown meat has been touted as a more sustainable alternative to traditional meat production, which requires vast amounts of land, water, and feed to raise livestock. According to estimates, lab-grown meat could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 90% compared to traditional beef production. The ban in Texas has raised concerns among industry experts who believe it will hinder the development of this technology. "This ban is a setback for an industry that's still trying to find its footing," said Dr. Uma Gupta, a food scientist at the University of California, Berkeley. "Lab-grown meat has the potential to address some of the biggest challenges facing our food system, and we need to be supporting innovation in this area." The ban in Texas is part of a growing trend of regulatory hurdles facing the lab-grown meat industry. While some countries, such as Singapore and the Netherlands, have established clear guidelines for the production and sale of lab-grown meat, others are still grappling with how to regulate this new technology. As the lawsuit against the state of Texas unfolds, the future of the lab-grown meat industry remains uncertain. However, one thing is clear: this technology has the potential to transform the way we produce food and address some of the biggest challenges facing our planet. Background Lab-grown meat has been in development for several years, with companies like Wildtype Foods and Upside Foods leading the charge. These companies use a process called cell culture to grow animal cells in a controlled environment, resulting in a product that is indistinguishable from traditional meat. The technology has gained significant attention in recent years due to its potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address issues related to food security and sustainability. Next Developments The lawsuit filed by Wildtype Foods and Upside Foods will be heard in court in the coming weeks. In the meantime, the industry is bracing for further regulatory challenges as more states and countries consider implementing bans on lab-grown meat. As the debate over lab-grown meat continues to unfold, one thing is clear: this technology has the potential to transform the way we produce food and address some of the biggest challenges facing our planet. *Reporting by Technologyreview.*