Florida and Arizona recently prohibited its sale, and Iowa banned schools from purchasing it. Despite initial optimism after the US approved lab-grown meat in June 2023, federal lawmakers are also considering restrictions.

The industry is fighting back, with Upside Foods launching a petition and Good Meat exploring legal options. They argue their products are safe and that bans stifle innovation. Critics claim lab-grown meat is unhealthy, citing concerns about unnatural production processes and potential health effects.

International resistance is also growing, with Italy banning lab-grown meat and France considering similar measures. Proponents argue these products are crucial for global protein needs, while opponents stress the importance of natural foods. The future of lab-grown meat remains uncertain amid ongoing legal and political battles.