Texas becomes the latest state to ban cultivated meat in the US
New law prohibits sale of lab-grown meat products for human consumption; market growth faces political and legal hurdles.
USA – Texas has joined a growing list of U.S. states banning the sale of cultivated meat, following the recent signing of Senate Bill 261 into law by Governor Greg Abbott.
The legislation, which will be enforced starting September 1, makes it illegal to sell cell-cultured meat intended for human consumption anywhere within the state.
The bill was brought forward by 25 Republican lawmakers who have expressed strong support for conventional cattle farming, citing the importance of preserving Texas’ traditional beef sector.
Backing for the measure came from the Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA), which issued a statement saying the law is aimed at shielding Texans from consuming meat alternatives that lack long-term health studies.
The association accused certain groups and companies of pushing an agenda to eliminate conventional animal farming and said the new law counters those efforts.
TSCRA President Carl Ray Polk Jr. emphasized the dedication of Texas ranchers, saying they work hard to deliver quality beef, and praised the legislators who supported the bill for prioritizing the protection of consumers and the livestock industry.
Texas is now the seventh state to enact a ban on lab-grown meat, joining Montana, Indiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, and Nebraska.
However, opposition to such bans is beginning to surface, especially in Florida, where cell-cultured meat producer Upside Foods has filed a lawsuit challenging the state’s prohibition.
The legal complaint argues that Florida’s restrictions violate the U.S. Constitution’s Commerce Clause, which regulates trade across state lines.
Industry Growth Amid Legal Uncertainty
Despite the growing number of bans, the cultured meat sector in the United States is projected to grow significantly in the coming years.
Market research forecasts the U.S. cultivated meat market to rise from US$57.8 million (USD) in 2024 to US$1.13 billion (USD) by 2033.
This would represent a compound annual growth rate of 34.68% over the nine-year period, driven by ongoing advancements in food technology and shifting consumer preferences.
Cultivated meat is made by growing animal cells in lab settings, offering a production method that uses fewer natural resources and aims to reduce environmental impact compared to conventional livestock farming.
Even as the technology gains ground, its regulatory future in many states remains uncertain due to mounting political resistance and active legal disputes.
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