Italy takes the lead in banning artificial meat

Artificial meat is produced by growing animal cells in a laboratory instead of through slaughtering animals. Italy became the first country in the world to ban the production, sale and import of this type of meat. The ban also states that it is unacceptable to use words referring to traditional meat products, such as "salami" or "steak", to market plant-based meat substitutes. Illustration photo: Getty Images After a long debate, the Italian Parliament reached a consensus to pass the above ban. Fines for violators of the ban can be up to 60,000 euros (65,800 USD). Italy's ban comes as many countries, including Germany and Spain, are researching to improve the production process of lab-grown meat. Cultured meat advocacy groups argue that artificial meat production is for sustainability, as it has a lower environmental impact than the production of meat of animal origin. Artificial meat is grown in a laboratory so it will not contain growth ...