A House bill banning cell-cultured meat – also known as lab-grown meat – is advancing in the Legislature.
It’s modeled after a first-of-its-kind law in Florida created to protect the beef industry. Some believe the law could serve South Dakota farmers as well. Others worry about legal complications.
The bill was met with much contention in the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee Tuesday. Opponents specifically cited potential legal issues with the interstate trade and commerce act of the US Constitution. They also claimed if passed, it would restrict South Dakotans free will.
Democrat Rep. Kadyn Wittman is among those with skepticism. She said the bill is “dangerous” in terms of restricting the market and interstate trade.
“I don’t think it is the responsibility of this committee or this legislative body to decide what people can and cannot spend money on or choose to consume. There are a great many products on the market now that are readily available at any gas station or grocery store that I personally would never participate in eating or putting in my body that we know have negative consequences for us. And yet, they are available because we have the free market and as consumers, we have the opportunity to choose what it is that we would like to participate in,” Wittman said.
The bill’s proponents disagree, saying the bill protects consumers and the state’s ag industry.
Rep. John Sjaarda is the bill’s primary sponsor and a hog and cattle producer. He said it’s about public health and safety.
“I simply viewed it as competition to traditional beef and pork production, industries that are vital to South Dakota’s economy. Originally, I thought I wanted to ban cell-cultured meat to protect the ag industry, but I realized this would conflict with South Dakota’s and my own commitment to free-market principles. Now my desires to ban cell-cultured meat has shifted to protecting consumers, because we do not know the long-term safety of it. Based on my research and conversations with experts, my eyes are opened to the fact that lab-grown or cell-cultured meat has not undergone significant long-term studies to ensure the safety for human consumption,” Sjaarda said.
After much debate, HB 1109 passed committee 8-5. It now heads to the floor of the House of Representatives.
A separate bill requiring cell-cultured meat labeling was already passed by the Legislature and awaits the governor’s signature.
