Florida sued for banning lab-grown meat
Upside Foods, a manufacturer of so-called cultured meat, has filed a lawsuit against Florida, challenging the state's recent ban on growing meat in laboratories.
Legislation signed by Governor Ron Desantis in May prohibits the sale of farmed meat. Desantis explained this move as protection from the plans of the "global elite", who insist on alternative food sources. In its lawsuit, Upside Foods claims that the ban "violates constitutional rights by violating the supremacy and trade clauses."
The plaintiffs argue that the law serves to protect Florida's livestock industry from competition, not to address real food safety concerns. They also argue that the ban contradicts federal laws governing the inspection and distribution of meat.
Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson dismissed the lawsuit as "ridiculous," saying the ban was necessary to ensure food safety and protect local agriculture.
Source: emeat
