Italy Bans Sale of Lab-Grown Meat and Synthetic Foods to Safeguard Its Heritage

Italy’s right-wing coalition government has approved a draft law that prohibits the production, export, and import of lab-grown meat and synthetic foods. Those who violate the ban would face steep fines of up to €60,000 and risk losing their manufacturing plants. The move is aimed at safeguarding Italy’s heritage, agriculture based on the Mediterranean diet, and homegrown produce from multinational companies.

The Rationale behind the Ban

The Italian government’s ban is based on the precautionary principle as there are no scientific studies yet on the effects of synthetic foods. The bill aims to preserve Italian culture, tradition, wine from technological advancements, and protect human health by prohibiting lab-made food. Lobbyists have collected half a million signatures in support of protecting natural food over synthetic products. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has signed the petition and has also decreed a ban on the use of insect-derived flour.

Reactions to the Ban

The passing of such a law could hold back scientific progress and climate mitigation efforts around meat alternatives. Animal welfare groups expressed disappointment as they believe lab-grown meat is a viable solution to issues like carbon emissions and food safety. Cultivated meat could cause up to 92% fewer emissions than conventional meat, reduce air pollution associated with meat production by up to 94%, and use up to 90% less land, according to research. NGOs have called the Italian government’s reasons for the ban “extremely misguided.”

Coldiretti Celebrates

Coldiretti, Italy’s main association of farmers, organized a mob to celebrate the move. Agriculture is a mainstay of the Italian economy, and Coldiretti sees this bill as an opportunity to save “Made in Italy” on dinner tables from multinational firms pioneering lab-grown meats. The focus of this rightwing coalition government is on homegrown products. The Ministry of Agriculture Francesco Lollobrigida is opposed to the use of lab-grown meat.

Protection of Heritage

The Italian government wants to protect its “farm-food heritage.” Meloni’s government is promoting Italian cuisine for possible heritage-for-humanity designation by UNESCO. Italy is an outlier in comparison to other European countries that have announced investments in the research and development of cell-based foods. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) considers cell-based agriculture a promising and innovative solution for healthy and environmentally-friendly food systems. Italy would not be able to oppose the sale of synthetic meat produced within the EU if it is granted approval due to the free movement of goods and services.

In conclusion, Italy’s proposed ban on lab-grown meat and synthetic food reflects its concerns about preserving its heritage, culture, and homegrown produce from multinational companies. While animal rights groups have criticized the move, Coldiretti has celebrated it, seeing this bill as an opportunity for saving “Made in Italy” on dinner tables. The bill awaits final approval before becoming law, but the debate around lab-grown meat continues.

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