EU

The EU agriculture ministers disagree about the approval of laboratory meat

The agriculture ministers of the European Union (EU) disagree on the issue of laboratory meat. While Italy has already banned laboratory meat, Austria and France also expressed clear criticism of the Agricultural Council last week. The representatives from Germany, the Netherlands and Denmark were less skeptical or positive about approval in the EU.

Posted on Jan 28 ,00:38

The EU agriculture ministers still see a number of unanswered questions with regard to the approval of meat products artificially produced in the laboratory. Austria, Italy and France presented clear criticism in a joint note to the Agricultural Council. This was supported by ten other member states, including Poland, Spain and Hungary. The Commission's initial plans for an EU regulation are apparently causing unrest among ministers. The representatives from Germany, the Netherlands and Denmark expressed themselves from less skeptical to positive.

Austria's Agriculture Minister Norbert Totschnig described laboratory meat as a real danger to animal husbandry in the EU. A possible EU regulation must ensure clarity and transparency. According to Totschnig, the effects must be examined carefully. Mandatory labeling and a fact-based comprehensive impact assessment are essential.

Italian Agriculture Minister Francesco Lollobrigida criticized the greenwashing carried out by laboratory meat producers. An EU regulation must provide clarity here. France also complained that animal owners were exposed to social pressure when it came to animal welfare. On the other hand, laboratory meat can often only be produced using animal stem cells that are not very animal-friendly. Countries such as Greece, Slovenia, Bulgaria and Ireland also see animal husbandry and rural areas at risk.

The German delegation was less critical. It was said that the opportunities and risks are still difficult to assess. The relevance of laboratory meat will be demonstrated by consumer demand in the coming years. From a German perspective, clear labeling and informed consumer decisions are important. The representative of the Federal Republic also emphasized the importance of a predominantly plant-based diet.

The Netherlands sees laboratory meat as an important component in supplying the world population with animal protein. The Hague sees artificial meat as a complement to natural meat products. Denmark also has no problem with laboratory meat if there is adequate labeling and food safety is guaranteed.

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