Lab-Grown Meat Sales and Manufacturing Now Forbidden in Montana

The guess here is that most Montanans would take a hard pass, anyway.

The economic issues aside, with ranchers and other related industries up in arms over an invasion on their livelihood, the Montana State Legislature has stepped in and closed the door on both manufacturing and sales. Besides, isn't there just something about "t-bone" and "lab-grown" that just don't sound right together?

The Northern Ag News Network tells us that Governor Greg Gianforte recently signed into law a bill to ban the manufacturing and sale of lab-grown meat in Montana. Sponsored by Representative Braxton Mitchell, Republican-Columbia Falls, House Bill 401 prohibits the manufacture for sale, sale, or distribution of cell-cultured edible product. The bill defines cell-cultured edible product as, “the concept of meat, including but not limited to muscle cells, fat cells, connective tissue, blood, and other components produced via cell culture, rather than from a whole slaughtered animal.”

Representative Mitchell is Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee.

Starting October 1, any retail food establishment in Montana that manufactures, sells, or distributes cell-cultured edible product is subject to suspension of their license and could be found guilty of a misdemeanor and faced with fines and imprisonment if convicted.

QUOTING THE GOVERNOR

In signing the bill into law, Governor Gianforte stated, “If you’ve ever had the pleasure of enjoying a cut of Montana beef, you know there is no substitute. By signing House Bill 401 into law, I am proud to defend our way of life and the hardworking Montana ranchers who produce the best beef in the world.”

The Montana Farm Bureau Federation praised the signing of the legislation, thanking the governor and legislature for defending and protecting the Montana way of life. Farm Bureau president Cyndi Johnson echoed the governor's sentiments.

“Montana ranchers grow some of the best meat in the world, we are thrilled consumers in the treasure state will continue to enjoy authentic meat."