Senate passes bill banning sale of cultured (lab-grown) meat products

The Louisiana Senate voted 27-9 on April 20 to pass SB 152, a measure introduced by Sen. Faizi that prohibits the sale of cultured (lab-grown) food products for human consumption.

Sen. Faizi described the bill as aligning with actions taken by several other states and said the measure restricts the commercial sale and distribution of laboratory-grown food products. “This is lab grown meat,” Faizi said on the floor, explaining the bill’s intent and the advertising-related amendments discussed earlier in the day.

Sen. Miller and other colleagues questioned whether available data show the product is unsafe and suggested alternative approaches such as mandatory labeling and penalties for noncompliance, rather than an outright ban. Faizi responded that regulators and the commissioner supported the bill with the adopted amendment, and that other states have adopted similar restrictions while data about long-term safety remain limited.

The chamber adopted multiple amendments, including a floor amendment offered by Sen. Cathy tying the bill’s effective date to a U.S. Supreme Court ruling to avoid entanglement with active litigation. After amendments were adopted, SB 152 was passed by roll call, 27 yays and 9 nays.

Supporters framed the bill as a precautionary measure given limited safety data and ongoing legal issues; opponents favored disclosure- and label-centered approaches. SB 152 will proceed in the legislative process with the adopted amendment affecting its effective date.