By Scout Nelson
As reported by South Dakota Public Broadcasting, the governor of South Dakota now has the opportunity to decide the future of cell cultivated protein products in the state. This follows the passage of House Bill 1077 by state lawmakers, placing the bill on his desk for final action.
House Bill 1077 defines cultivated protein food products as adulterated food under state law. In South Dakota, adulterated foods are not allowed to be sold on store shelves. Supporters of the bill said they were not aware of any cell cultivated protein products currently being sold in the state. By passing the bill, lawmakers placed these products in the same category as foods considered unsafe, including those with poisonous ingredients or meat from diseased animals.
Some legislators state that while they would not personally buy these products, they do not believe they should be labeled as adulterated if they receive approval from the Food and Drug Administration. This view reflects concern about regulating products before long term scientific evidence is fully established.
Sen. Jamie Smith voted no on the bill in the Senate. He said he thinks the decision should be rooted in science.
“So, we’re making statements out about something that are inherently conjecture," Smith said on the Senate floor. "We’re thinking that might be what this is, but we don’t know.”
Smith said it should be up to the individual.
“If you look at me, you know I eat plenty of steak, okay? I like steak, and I like it from a real cow. But I also have half my wife’s family, they’re vegetarian. And you know what, they get to be themselves too," Smith said. "But there might be some of them that want to get their protein source from a different way. And I’m going to stand in their way and say, ‘You can’t make that choice for yourself? I don’t think that’s fair to them.”
Opponents are also concerned that the state could face legal action if the bill becomes law. Supporters, however, want to protect public safety and the state’s agriculture economy.
Sen. Lauren Nelson, the Senate sponsor, said safety is a key reason for the bill.
“It is our job as the Legislature when we see something that has the potential to hurt the people of our state, we need to step up and do something,” Nelson said.
She also said cell cultivated protein threatens livestock producers.
“We do know the target of their campaign to expand cell-cultured meat. My fellow Senators, this is not about consumer choice; this is not about feeding people," Nelson said. "This is about directly challenging and ultimately replacing our livestock producers. That makes this a direct threat to the economic engine of our state. Don’t let anybody tell you otherwise.”
The bill passed the House by a 45 to 22 vote and the Senate by a narrow margin 18 to 16. The governor now has the option to sign or veto House Bill 1077.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-sstajic
Categories: South Dakota, Government & Policy