The Italian government adopted a bill late Tuesday aimed at banning the production and sale of synthetic foods, including artificial meat.
This legislation “is based on the precautionary principle”, explained the Minister of Health, Orazio Schillaci, at the end of the Council of Ministers that gave the green light to this bill.
According to him, “there is no scientific evidence” that excludes “possible harmful effects linked to the consumption of synthetic foods,” he declared during a press conference.
Under the terms of the draft, violation of this ban, which targets in particular laboratory-produced synthetic meat from animal stem cells, would be subject to various types of sanctions, including fines ranging from €10,000 to €60,000. .
Coldiretti, the main professional organization representing the agricultural sector in Italy, organized a “flash-mob” Tuesday afternoon near the seat of government in central Rome to say “no to synthetic food.”
“Italy, which is the European leader in food quality and safety, has a duty to be at the forefront of food policies to defend citizens and companies,” said its president, Ettore Prandini, quoted in a press release.
To enter into force, this bill must be approved within two months by Parliament, which will have the opportunity to modify it during its debates.
This announcement comes at a time when no marketing app for these types of foods has yet been made in the European Union, and it will likely be at least 2025 before such foods appear on shelves.
Source: BFM TV
