By Scout Nelson
Nebraska is preparing to join the list of U.S. states banning lab-grown meat products. A bill under consideration aims to prohibit the production, sale, import, and promotion of cultivated meat within the state. The move follows similar actions in Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Indiana, and Montana.
Cell-cultivated meat is made in laboratories by growing animal protein from stem cells. This process avoids animal slaughter and involves five steps: cell biopsy, cell banking, cell growth, harvesting, and processing. While promoted as an innovative food technology, it has sparked increasing public concern regarding long-term health and environmental impacts.
The bill, if enacted, would not only ban the sale and display of these products in Nebraska but also prevent their marketing or promotion. Supporters argue the law protects both consumers and traditional livestock producers.
“Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen says real meat comes from real animals not a petri dish,” highlighting strong political support for the legislation. The bill follows a broader trend among lawmakers focused on transparent labelling and food safety.
Nationally, 10 states now regulate lab-grown meat in some form. While states like Iowa require specific labelling, others such as Florida and Alabama have already banned the products entirely. Indiana has introduced a two-year moratorium starting July 2025, requiring all cultivated meat sold afterward to include a label stating:
“This is an imitation meat product.”
Jack Hubbard, Executive Director of the Center for Environment and Welfare, noted, “We are seeing a bipartisan consumer movement against the experimental product…” as questions rise around its safety and the use of “immortalized cells” in production.
Nebraska's final vote on the bill is expected soon as momentum builds to keep lab-grown meat out of local markets.
Photo Credit:gettyimages-luoman.
Categories: Nebraska, Government & Policy