House Bill 2121 has been introduced in the Arizona legislature and would ban the sale or production of cultivated meat in the state if enacted. Those who violate the legislation would face a penalty of up to $25,000.

The text of the legislation offers two primary reasons for the legislation — to protect public health and to protect the state’s cattle industry.

“This state’s cattle ranching industry is integral to this state’s history, culture, values and economy,” according to the legislation. “Cattle is one of the five foundational pillars that have driven this state’s economy since territorial days.”

Arizona’s proposed legislation comes in the wake of similar legislation introduced in Florida. In that state, the bill would ban the manufacturing, sale, holding or distribution of cultivated meat in the state if passed.

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In June 2023, two cultivated meat companies received a Grant of Inspection from the US Department of Agriculture to sell cultivated chicken in the United States. The GOI marks the final step of the pre-market regulatory review necessary for food technology companies to begin commercial production and sales.

And while states like Arizona and Florida are proposing to ban the manufacture and sale of cultivated meat, in California the University of California, Davis, will open its Integrative Center for Alternative Meat and Protein on Jan. 17.

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