The production and promotion of cultivated meat has been banned in Italy. The law, which was recently adopted, also rules that using meat-like names like salami or steak is restricted. Breach of the law could be subject to a fine of €60,000.
The government says that cultivated meat erases its traditional food system, and it wants to protect the livelihoods of Italian workers, such as farmers, and Italy’s culinary traditions.
Critics argue that the law will extinguish Italy’s cultivated meat sector, albeit much smaller than in other European countries, entirely. In addition, it hampers the economic opportunity of participating in a growing industry and cut down on greenhouse gas emissions.