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

Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) said his statewide ban is "fighting back" against a plan "to force the world to eat meat grown in a petri dish or bugs."

In a nationwide first, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) 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 said in 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.