Italy Becomes First European Country to Ban Lab-Grown Meat

The controversial law, backed by the right-wing government and agricultural groups, could lead to EU fines if the bloc decides to allow lab-grown meat.

Italy has become the first country in Europe to ban the production, sale, and import of lab-grown meat, with fines of up to €150,000 ($162,700) for factories found in violation.
The ban also extends to the use of meat-related terms for marketing vegetarian products.
The law has been backed by Italy's right-wing government and agricultural groups, who argue it protects Italian culture and the agriculture sector.
Opponents argue that the ban is anti-scientific and could lead to Italy facing EU fines if the bloc decides to allow lab-grown meat.
Lab-grown meat, currently approved for human consumption only in the US and Singapore, is seen by some as a more environmentally friendly and ethical alternative to traditional livestock production.