Italy to ban lab-grown food in move to protect traditional cuisine [Video]

Italy’s government has endorsed legislation that would outlaw laboratory-grown food and allow stiff fines for those who make it or sell it, a proposal that is part of Premier Giorgia Meloni’s crusade to protect “made in Italy” products.

Meloni celebrated with farmers after her Cabinet approved measures that provide for fines as high as US$60,000 (NZ$96,000) and for the confiscation of “synthetic food”. The proposed penalties, which the Italian Parliament would need to turn into law, cover both food for people and animal feed.

Championing the law was a close Meloni stalwart, Francesco Lollobrigida, who is the minister of agriculture, food sovereignty and forests. His ministry’s title is a new one that reflects the focus of Meloni’s right-wing coalition government on homegrown products.

A government statement said the ban on lab-grown foodwas proposed, “in respect for the principle …