A Lab-Grown Lawsuit in the Sunshine State

Remember that ban on lab-cultivated “meat” in the state of Florida? Alabama has similar legislation but, it’s that ban in the Sunshine State that has now prompted litigation.

From the complaint, “This case is a constitutional challenge to Florida’s recently enacted SB 1084, a law that prohibits the sale of safe, innovative food products. Plaintiff UPSIDE Foods, Inc., (UPSIDE) is a start-up based in Berkeley, California, and a leading producer of cultivated meat. Unlike conventional meat, which is harvested from animals that are raised for slaughter, UPSIDE cultivated-meat products are produced by growing real animal cells in clean and controlled facilities that are regulated and inspected by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).”

In a statement from Florida Governor Ron DeSantis when the bill outlawing the product was signed into law, “We must protect our incredible farmers and the integrity of American agriculture. Lab-grown meat is a disgraceful attempt to undermine our proud traditions and prosperity, and is in direct opposition to authentic agriculture.”