Labeling debate over lab-grown chicken heats up across US states

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In a culinary twist that has left diners both intrigued and impatient, select US restaurants have started offering lab-grown chicken. However, as curious consumers flock to these establishments, the debate over labeling laws for lab-grown meat is also heating up, with several states taking the lead in defining what can be sold as “meat” and demanding clear labels on cell-cultivated products.

In June, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) granted approval for California-based companies to distribute lab-grown chicken across the nation. While these innovations may not yet grace grocery store shelves, they have piqued the interest of environmentally conscious consumers seeking sustainable alternatives that bypass the traditional methods of animal slaughter.

Yet, driven by the cattle and poultry industries, several states are actively shaping the regulatory landscape for this emerging food category. They are clarifying what constitutes “meat” and demanding conspicuous labels on products cultured within laboratories.

While an agreement with the USDA has resulted in products from companies like Upside Foods and Good Meat being labeled as “cell-cultivated chicken,” some states are enacting additional requirements. Texas, for instance, passed legislation mandating that cultivated products use terms like “cell-cultured” or “lab-grown” on their packaging alongside the product name, in text no smaller than the surrounding text.

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As the debate over labeling laws intensifies, some argue that these state legislatures are hampering the market through what they term as “label censorship.” Yet, the lab-grown meat industry is rapidly expanding. In 2022, there were 156 cultivated meat companies globally, attracting $2.8 billion in investments, according to the Good Food Institute.

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In an ever-evolving food landscape, striking a balance between consumer choice, transparency, and sustainable food production remains a complex challenge. The future of lab-grown meat will likely be shaped not only by regulatory decisions but also by ongoing debates surrounding ethics and environmental sustainability.