Italy wants to ban lab-grown meat for violating its traditions

Minister of Agriculture of Italy, Francesco Lollobrigidadeclared Italy the first country free from synthetic food. At the same time, according to the politician, Meloni government seeks to ban the production of both lab-grown meat and any other artificial food.

He assures that in this way he protects both the traditions of his country and the health of its inhabitants. This is a very controversial measure as cultured meat has been presented as the solution to a great problem. the impact of animal husbandry on the climate. In addition, most of the population treats him favorably due to his ability to avoid many animal suffering.

With all this, the decision to ban gave rise to a great stir in Italy. Lollobrigida argues that this measure is based on concern for Italy and Italians. It is aimed at protecting livestock, on which part of a country’s economyand health. The latter is based on some inconclusive research pointing to the possible dangers of eating cultured meat. However, the detractors of this government decision showed their opposition to the removal of the Italians’ ability to make their own decisions. Moreover, they guarantee that Italy will be behind in relation to other European countries, in which this type of product is beginning to become more relevant.

Cultured meat and its possible advantages and disadvantages

Cultured meat is basically what the name suggests. Produced after extraction muscle cell biopsy of the animal in question and cultivate them in the laboratory. Since only a few cells need to be obtained, there is no need to sacrifice animals. Yes, they would need to be raised, but typical intensive livestock farms would not be needed.

For this reason, it assumes a much lower environmental impact, with less greenhouse gas emissionsobtained from animal husbandry. In addition, logically, cruelty to animals is reduced.

These are the two main benefits. Alongside them is the issue of health, which has caused much more controversy. On the one hand, proponents of cultured meat point out that it is safer. This is due to the fact that only some of the cells are used, and not the entire animal that has been exposed to the external environment and was able to get inside. contact with a large number of microbes. In addition, with regard to its nutritional profile, the proportion of some nutrients. You can even replace some saturated fats with healthier unsaturated ones.

On the other hand, critics of cultured meat believe that its consumption may also pose certain risks. This is because, since the cultivation methods used are relatively new, it is not yet possible to know if production could get out of control. In their opinion, perhaps lack of control was like cells that become tumors. It is not known how the consumption of this uncontrolled meat can affect human health. However, it is also true that this meat can simply be seized and never reach consumers.

For this reason, in general, criticism of the production of cultured meat is positive, contrary to what is indicated in Italian government.

What’s going on in Italy?

As explained in IFLSciencepolls show that 54% of the Italian population want to try lab-grown meat.

However, if your government’s decision is accepted, they may not, at least in your country. In fact, it is planned to introduce fine up to 60,000 euros any company that decides to produce this type of food. This is too big a number to risk.

It is important to note that as cultured meat spreads, consumers will have other meat alternative choose. Including plant-based substitutes that already exist today. There are even mushrooms with great nutritional potential that can be considered as interesting substitutes.

But, in any case, this is the decision of the consumer. And they intend to block this decision in Italy. It will be impossible to decide, because they will not have such an opportunity. It is logical that this causes great disgust in many sections of the Italian population. Because depriving people of the ability to make decisions can be very dangerous, whatever the problem.