By Andi Anderson
Indiana has officially joined a growing number of states restricting the sale of cultivated meat. On May 6, Governor Mike Braun signed House Bill 1425, introducing a two-year moratorium on the production, sale, and labelling of lab-grown meat in the state. The new law will be in effect from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2027.
The bill defines cultivated meat as animal protein grown from stem cells in a lab to replicate the look, taste, and nutrition of conventional meat. It requires that these products be clearly labeled with the statement, “This is an imitation meat product.” Companies that fail to follow the rule could face fines up to $10,000—the highest fine set by any state on this issue.
Representative Beau Baird, who introduced the bill, said the product is too new to be fully trusted and believes Indiana needs time to understand the health and safety impacts. “The U.S. Department of Agriculture only approved cultivated meat in 2023,” Baird noted. “We want to ensure that we’re making thoughtful choices for our citizens.”
Despite some debate around the labelling language, the bill passed with a strong majority—74-15 in the House and 43-7 in the Senate. It reflects rising caution among lawmakers as they respond to public concern and industry changes.
Indiana becomes the fifth state to pass a ban on cultivated meat, joining Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, and Montana. While temporary, the decision could influence food policy debates in other states and highlight the balance between innovation, consumer choice, and food safety in agriculture.
Photo Credit: istock-dusanpetkovic
Categories: Indiana, Government & Policy, Rural Lifestyle