The Italian government’s bill banning cell-based food and animal feed products on the 28th of March 2023 has sparked a major debate on the viability of synthetically produced food products. A growing trend in western countries, synthetically produced food, mostly meat has been seen as the solution to food shortages by the USA, Singapore and most countries within the bounds of the European Union. In the words of these countries and the Good Food Institute (GFI), one of the premier global food systems think tanks, there is no question of reduced levels of quality and nutrient value in the pursuit of synthetic foods.
The government of Italy on the other hand has argued that it goes against the traditional methods of food production that have set Italy aside in the food industry. Considering the global food shortages caused by the war in Ukraine and the subsequent rise of Italy as a major player in the international food market, Italy has sited the fact that it is set to save 580 billion euros worth of value in its existing agri-food structure by banning synthetic food. The country’s agriculture minister Francesco Lollobrigida has also stated that in his opinion, laboratory products do not guarantee quality, well-being and the protection of Italian culture and traditions. Which prompted Italian agricultural lobbyists to praise the decision.
In contrast to this GFI Europe has condemned the decision, stating that it is a troubling move which would hamper the economic potential that the field provides. It also stated that the ban would stifle pre-existing research projects in the field within Italy. In the GFI’s estimation this move goes against 54% percent of Italian citizens who wish to try cultivated meat. They have also urged the Italian government to take stock of the progress the United States, Singapore and other European countries have made in this regard and consider the efficacy of their regulatory bodies which have approved synthetic products. Whether the bill will now be ratified by the Italian parliament or not is the question on everyone’s mind.