Texas has officially outlawed the sale and production of lab-grown meat this week, becoming the latest state to push back against “cell-cultured protein” in defense of the cattle industry.
Senate Bill 261, which took effect September 1, prohibits the production, possession, or sale of lab-grown “meat” across the Lone Star State for the next two years.
The hyperprocessed fake “meat” products are produced by companies such as Upside Foods, which is funded by billionaire Bill Gates.
Supporters of the law say it safeguards both Texas consumers and the ranching industry that remains a cornerstone of the state’s economy.
In a May press release, Carl Ray Polk Jr., president of the Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA), said:
“Ranchers across Texas work tirelessly to raise healthy cattle and produce high-quality beef.
“Our association is grateful for those legislators who voted to support this legislation and understood the core of this bill, to protect our consumers, the beef industry, and animal agriculture.”
“Lab-grown meat just doesn’t belong in Texas, and now, it doesn’t have a place on our tables.” – Commissioner Sid Miller #TexasAgricultureMatters #Beef #RealFood #BuyLocal
— Texas Agriculture (@TexasDeptofAg) June 28, 2025
The law comes even though lab-grown