Last Thursday, The Italian Parliament approved legislation that prohibits the manufacture and marketing of synthetic foodsbecoming the first European country to adopt this measure.
This regulation, promoted by the Government led by Giorgia Meloni, is based on arguments about possible nutritional inequalities that could be generated and the absence of solid scientific research regarding these foods. This position has generated controversy among the opposition, which emphasizes the importance of having scientific evidence before applying a total ban.
Synthetic food, produced in laboratories, includes examples such as cultured meat. The process consists of select stem cells, feed them and, after three to six months, harvest them.
Critics of the law argue that could infringe the principle of free movement of goods in the European Union Yes, it also prohibits the marketing of synthetic foods produced in other countries.
The law that prohibits the marketing of these foods contemplates fines ranging from 10,000 up to 60,000 euros, or 10% of the turnover in the case of income greater than 60,000 euros.
The Minister of Agriculture, Francesco Lollobrigida, highlighted the Government’s intention to protect public health and avoid social inequalities related to synthetic foods.
On the other hand, the Minister of Health, Orazio Schillaci argued that there are currently no scientific studies conclusive about the effects of these foods, and that the decision seeks to safeguard the country’s heritage and culture, based on the “Mediterranean diet”.
