Florida became the first state to ban the sale of lab-grown meat. SB 1084 was signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis on May 1. It prohibits the manufacture for sale, sale, holding, offering for sale or distribution of cultivated meat in the state.

DeSantis emphasized the importance of supporting rural economies and agriculture. Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson, President-Elect of the Florida Cattlemen’s Association Pat Durden and Senator Jay Collins joined the governor for the announcement. Simpsons shared that food security is national security.

Cultivated meat products have sparked debate across the country. Currently, lab-grown meat is only approved to be sold in the U.S. and Singapore. Italy became the first country in the EU to ban lab-grown meat in February.

Read more about restrictions on lab-grown meat here.