Montana Joins Five States Banning Lab-Grown Meat With Enforcement Plan

Montana has become the latest state to ban the manufacture and sale of lab-grown meat, joining four others with similar prohibitions, reflecting strong support for traditional cattle ranching in the state. Governor Greg Gianforte signed House Bill 401 into law, emphasizing the importance of protecting Montana's beef industry and agricultural heritage, with penalties including fines, license suspensions, and possible jail time for violators. The law defines cell-cultured products broadly and mandates significant enforcement measures, including the creation of 16 full-time positions across multiple state departments, underscoring Montana's commitment to rigorous oversight. Meanwhile, other states like Michigan are approaching lab-grown meat regulation through transparency measures, such as requiring clear labeling for synthetic meat products to ensure consumers can distinguish them from conventional meat. The debate over lab-grown meat also involves federal regulatory challenges, with calls for USDA or FDA to establish consistent nationwide rules, as current state-by-state variations create complexity. These developments highlight the growing tension between traditional agriculture interests, emerging synthetic protein technologies, and consumer transparency in the evolving food landscape.