Florida Bans Sale Of Lab-Grown Meat Citing ‘Global Elite’ Concerns

In a nationwide first, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis ® has outlawed the sale and distribution of lab-grown meat in his state, claiming a ban will prevent “the global elite” from “forcing the world to eat lab-grown meat and insects.”

“Today, Florida is fighting back against the global elite’s plan to force the world to eat meat grown in a petri dish or bugs to achieve their authoritarian goals,” DeSantis saidin a statement following the legislation’s signing Wednesday.

The law aims to protect the business of local cattle ranchers and farmers, which the state’s Commissioner of Agriculture, Wilton Simpson, said is under threat by alternative food options.

“Lab-grown meat is a disgraceful attempt to undermine our proud traditions and prosperity, and is in direct opposition to authentic agriculture,” Simpson said.

Anyone found violating the law, which goes into effect on July 1, risks being fined or having their business license suspended. Similar bans are under consideration in Alabama, Arizona and Tennessee.

DeSantis, in explaining the need for a ban, cited an article published on the World Economic Forum’s website that endorsed insect farming for food and animal feed due to rising human population levels.

The article, written by the president and chief executive officer of an insect farming company, argues that insect farming could be an environmentally friendly solution to an impending global food crisis. It did not argue for “forcing” its consumption on anyone.

Florida’s ban received bipartisan support from Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.), who in astatement posted on social media said, though it “pains” him, he agrees with DeSantis.

“As a member of [the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, & Forestry] and as some